Japan Flora and Fauna

Japan is located in five main islands and almost seven thousand more islands belong to it. In these islands, hundreds of isolated endemic species are housed. Therefore, these are the characteristics of Japan’s flora and fauna:

• Presence of multiple ecosystems: Where winter appears extremely, in fact in some places snowfall occurs that accumulate up to 4 meters of snow. Thick ice can also be found, with a lot of biodiversity under them. These ice are suspended on seas, to which marine biodiversity of cold climates is associated. We can say that Japan has both terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. Discover in this article that we suggest what the importance of ecosystems is.
• It has multiple rivers and sea outputs: such as the exit to the Sea of ​​Oresk, to the Eastern China and the Pacific Ocean.
• Presence of coastal subtropical climates: As on the island of Yakushima. This characteristic of Japan’s flora and fauna provides a wide variety of species and multiple climates.
• Presence of specialized biodiversity: Among the peculiarities of its ecosystems is the separation of waters in the sea of ​​Oresk, where there is no mouth to any river and fascinating species coexist. It is varied, rich and unique.
• It has mountainous chains Covered by: forests and rivers furrowed in which hundreds of animal and plant species are sheltered.
• It has preserved and protected areas: There are multiple protection areas, in which native species have been able to survive. These areas represent important shelters for the northern zone of the world. Many of these areas are open for tourism, but many others remain virgins.
• It is culturally important, sacred and archaic: Around their flora and fauna, important religions and philosophies have been developed, such as Zen Buddhism and Shintoism. In the Kii mountains there are sacred placeswhere the pilgrimage between coniferous forests, rivers and waterfalls is an important part of the sysist cult that venerates nature. Do not hesitate to take a look at this article on coniferous forests: characteristics, flora and fauna.

In Japan there are coniferous forests, deciduous and perennial forests, subtropical flora, subalpine and alpine. Here are some Japan plants that are among the most interesting of this country:

Hay Japanese (Fagus Crenata)

Japan has one of the latest Hangas de Asia forests. They are under protection since 1980, as they were threatened by intensive felling. Its leaves turn to a striking yellow and orange color, coloring unique landscapes. In the Shirakami mountains there are beech who can reach up to two hundred years.

Take a look at this ecology article Verde on the problem of indiscriminate felling trees in forests.

Japanese cedar (Japanese cryptomeria)

It is not a true cedar, but it has been called for a long time. It is a relative of the cypresses and can measure seventy meters high and four in diameter. On the island of Yakushima there are trees up to three thousand years. In Japan it is called Sugi. Is considered sacred and its wood is widely used in the architecture of this country. To protect them from Tala, one third of that island was designated as protected.

You may be curious to know how to plant a cedar.

Cherry (Cerasus spp.

Cherry trees are admirable beauty. Its pink white flowers fill the streets of Japan, and have been very important for the Japanese culture. They call the flower Sakuraand its flowering is held at the festival Hanami. They have multiple meanings, including beauty, Mortality, ephemeralthe arrival of spring, and even remembers the samurais.

Do not hesitate to consult this post about a cherry tree: how and when to do it, here.

Epiphytes (TILLANDSIA XYPHIOIDES)

These are aerial plants that They grow over other plantswithout the need for roots on the ground. In the islands of Ogaswara very rare epiphytes have been found thanks to the subtropical climate and frequent mist.

Here are more information about air plants: types, names and care and epiphytic plants: what are, types and examples.

Because of the variety of ecosystems, geographical privileges and climates, Japan has a single fauna. These are some emblematic species of animals in Japan:

Steller’s sea lion (Eumetopias retatus)

This animal lives on the coast of Shiretoko. It has a light brown and only males have hair. They live in Harenes, gathered in groups on the coast. They have a very interesting behavior: when the reproduction season is coming they return to the same place where they were born. His communities are decreasing dramatically since 1960 Because of fishing drag networks, where they get stuck.

Check these ecology articles about what drag and the difference between seal, Marino and Morsa lion to obtain more information on the subject.

Asian black bear (Ursus Thibotanus Japonicus)

It has a thick black fur and a beige line in the chest. They are medium size, 140 centimeters high and an average weight of 100 kilos. They live in coniferous forests and deciduous trees, feeding mainly on acorns and forest plants, but they can also eat small animals. It is like Vulnerable species Well, in Japan his hunting is a sport, and is legally allowed.

You can find more information about the causes and consequences of the poaching of animals in this post.

Japanese Serau (Capricornis Crispus)

It is a large bovid that can weigh up to 100 kilos. Their horns are small and have a very long fur to cope the cold alpine.

Silk worm (Bombyx Mori)

Silkworms create a cocoon and this is the Silk thread is obtained For textile purposes. In 1872 a silk factory was created in Japan similar to Western factories. Here the worms and eggs were raised in cold chambers.

Perhaps this post about animals that produce silk may also be interested.

Japanese crane (Japonensis grus)

Frequently represented in Japanese artistic compositions, is an impressive White color with black details. Inhabits swamps and meadows and their life is 60 years. They also choose a single couple for life, so they are admired as a symbol of longevity and love. It has only two reproduction sites: Hokkaido and Siberia. It is threatened and is strongly protected in Japan.

Here you can know +10 Japanese animals.

If you want to read more articles similar to Japan Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.