Hokkaido deciduous forests

The Hokkaidō deciduous forests ecoregion (WWF ID: PA0423) covers the northern and southern coasts of the island of Hokkaido, the northernmost of the main islands of Japan. The region sits in the transition zone between the colder subarctic forests to the north and the more temperate forests to the south. Characteristic trees include Mongolian oak, Basswood, and Ash trees.[1][2]

Hokkaidō deciduous forests
Mt Mekunnai
Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Ecology
RealmPalearctic
BiomeTemperate broadleaf and mixed forests
Geography
Area25,381 km2 (9,800 sq mi)
CountryJapan
Coordinates43.15°N 141.75°E / 43.15; 141.75

Location and description

The terrain in the ecoregion is mostly low hills and plains.[1] The west and northern coasts face the colder Sea of Okhotsk. The ecoregion surrounds the Hokkaidō montane conifer forests ecoregion which is at higher altitudes.

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Humid continental climate, warm summer (Köppen climate classification (Dfb)). This climate is characterized by large seasonal temperature differentials and a warm summer (at least four months averaging over 10 °C (50 °F), but no month averaging over 22 °C (72 °F).[3][4] Average annual precipitation is 1,150 mm.[1]

Flora and fauna

Dominant trees of the lowland forests are Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica), Lime trees (Tilia), and Ash trees (Fraxinus).[1] The main underbrush is Sasa, a form of dwarf bamboo. The ecoregion is generally too cold to support the Japanese beech that is common on Honshu to the south. Biodiversity is relatively low in the area, and there are no endemic species.[1]

References
  1. "Hokkaido deciduous forests". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  2. "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  3. Kottek, M., J. Grieser, C. Beck, B. Rudolf, and F. Rubel, 2006. "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
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