Shiretoko National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shiretoko National Park |
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| 知床国立公園 | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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View from the sea
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| Location | Hokkaidō, Japan |
| Area | 386.33 km² |
| Established | June 1, 1964 |
| Official name: Shiretoko | |
| Type: | Natural |
| Criteria: | ix, x |
| Designated: | 2005 (29th session) |
| Reference #: | 1193 |
| State Party: | Japan |
| Region: | Asia-Pacific |
Shiretoko National Park (知床国立公園, Shiretoko Kokuritsu Kōen) is a special place in Hokkaidō, Japan. It's so important that UNESCO has named it a World Heritage Site. This amazing park covers the Shiretoko Peninsula, which reaches out into the Sea of Okhotsk.
The name "Shiretoko" comes from the Ainu language. The Ainu people are native to parts of Japan and Russia. In their language, "sir etok" means "end of the Earth." This name fits well because the peninsula feels like a wild, faraway place!
Contents
History of Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko National Park was officially created on June 1, 1964. This made it a protected area for its unique nature.
In 2005, UNESCO recognized Shiretoko's global importance. They added it to the list of World Heritage Sites. UNESCO also suggested that Japan and Russia could work together. They hoped to create an international "World Heritage Peace Park." This park would include the Kuril Islands, focusing on protecting nature across borders.
Exploring Shiretoko's Geography
Shiretoko is known for being a bit wild and hard to reach. Many parts of the park can only be explored on foot. You can also see its beauty by taking a boat trip along the coast.
One famous spot is a hot springs waterfall called Kamuiwakka Falls (カムイワッカの滝, Kamuiwakka-no-taki). The name Kamui wakka means "water of the gods" in the Ainu language. Imagine warm water flowing down a waterfall!
Amazing Plants and Forests
The park's forests are a mix of temperate and subalpine trees. This means they are used to both mild and colder mountain climates.
You can find several types of trees here. Some of the most common are Sakhalin fir, Erman's birch, and Mongolian oak. These trees create beautiful green landscapes throughout the park.
Wild Animals of Shiretoko
Shiretoko National Park is home to many different animals. It's especially famous for having Japan's largest mammal species.
The most well-known animal here is the Ezo brown bear. These large bears roam freely in the park. They are an important part of the park's ecosystem.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional de Shiretoko para niños
