Shiretoko Peninsula
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The Shiretoko Peninsula (知床半島 shiretokohantō), is located on the easternmost portion of the Japanese island of Hokkaidō, protruding into the Sea of Okhotsk. On July 14, 2005, in a meeting held in the Republic of South Africa, the Shiretoko Peninsula was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on July 17 was officially registered as such.
The name Shiretoko is derived from the Ainu language word sir etok, meaning "the end of the earth" or "the place where the earth protrudes".
[edit] Geography
From Shiretoko Cape at the tip of the peninsula, a series of volcanoes run down the peninsula, including Shiretoko Peak, Utabetsudake, and Shiretoko Iōzan. The volcano area has given rise to several famous onsen, including Seseki Onsen and Iwaobetsu Onsen. The variety of onsen in the area make the peninsula a popular tourist destination.
[edit] Flora and fauna
The Shiretoko Peninsula is home to many species of both conifers and broadleaf trees, including the acorn-bearing mizunara (Quercus mongolica). Foxes, Brown Bears, and Japanese Deer also inhabit the area. The Hokkaido Owl and Seeadler also flourish, and seals can be often seen on the coast.
[edit] Conservation efforts
To protect the wild animals and pristine natural beauty of the Shiretoko Peninsula, in 1964 a great portion of the peninsula was designated Shiretoko National Park. Since then, the park has been subject to strict regulation as a nature preserve, and entering is prohibited.
