Sarobetsu-genya. 08/11/05; Hokkaido; 2,560 ha; 45°05'N 141°42'E. NWPA. A vast peatland at the northern tip of Hokkaido represents one of the largest high moors in lowland plains. The Sarobetsu River, flowing around the marshland, has limited water fluctuation and poor supply of nutrients leading to ideal conditions for formation of such high moors. Ponds and small lakes scattered in the site provide breeding sites for waterbirds and support more than 1% of the East Asian population of Anser fabalis middendorfii and Cygnus columbianus. From spring to autumn, the wetland is covered by more than 100 species of colorful flora including Small cranberry, Hare's cotton-grass, and lilies. Boardwalks constructed in Sarobetsu Wildflower Garden and Panke-numa provide a close look at these pretty flowers. A project is underway to restore the dry areas of wetlands due to past incidence of lowering the groundwater level. About 300,000 people visit the Sarobetsu Nature School/Toyotomi Visitor Center and Horonobe Visitor Center annually and walk along the nature trails. Ramsar site no. 1555. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Hokkaido Prefecture