Shiretoko, a natural heritage site registered in the World
Heritage List in July 2005, is considered one of the last
pristine wilderness areas remaining in Japan. Shiretoko
is a long narrow peninsula located in northeastern
Hokkaido. Shiretoko is particularly significant for its
outstanding relationship between marine and terrestrial
ecosystems. It is very important for threatened migratory
birds, salmonid species, specific marine mammals, and
cetacean species.
The salmon and trout that breed in the sea off Shiretoko
are an important food resource supporting the terrestrial
ecosystem with rare birds such as Blakiston's fish owl,
Steller's sea eagle, and the white-tailed sea eagle. Brown
bears also frequent the area. Additionally, it is home to a
rich biodiversity of fauna and flora, including endangered
and endemic species. The Shiretoko ecosystem is a
dramatically clear example of the linkage between marine
and terrestrial ecosystems. The designated property of
Shiretoko is considered an important wildlife reserve with
unique features unlike any other in the world.
Shiretoko, blessed with mountains, lakes, and an
abundance of plants and animals, encompasses many
places of interest throughout the seasons. This includes
Shiretoko Goko, or Shiretoko Five Lakes, situated on a
lava plateau surrounded by forests, where you may
occasionally see wild animals. Ultimately, Shiretoko is
remarkable for its marine and terrestrial species, as well
as its outstanding ecosystem productivity. It supports a
variety of endangered and endemic species, has the
highest recorded density population of brown bears, and
is globally important for migratory birds.
