JP157Tokara islands

Site Description

Forest

Tokararetto islands are volcanic islands lying between Yakushima and Amami islands. Kuchinoshima is the northernmost island, followed by more than 10 islands, Nakanoshima, Gajashima, Kogajashima, Tairajima, Suwanosejima, Akusekijima, Kodakarajima, Takarajima, Kaminonejima,and Yokoatejima. Nakanoshima has an area of 27.5 km2 with its peak at 979 m above sea level. Kodakarajima is a limestone tableland and terrace, while Takarajima’s central part is surrounded by limestone rocks. Other islands are volcanic terrains that have steep slopes along the shore. Gajashima, Kogajashima, Yokoatejima and Kaminonejima are uninhabited islands. Mountain areas are covered with forests of Castanopsis cuspdata, Machilus tunbergii and clusters of shrubs. In the lower areas are seen clusters of subtropical plants such as Ficus superba. var. japonica and Ficus microcarpa.

Area & Coordinates

8,400ha 29°51′N 129°52′E
region: Kyushu Region, Kagoshima

Category

A1, A2

Designation Type

Prefectural National Park, Wildlife Protection Area (Local)

Protection Status

Partially protected

Conservation issues

• Natural events
• Consequences of animal/plants/ introductions