Nihonkai montane deciduous forests


The Nihonkai montane deciduous forests ecoregion covers the Nihonkai mountain slopes of Japan's central island of Honshu, including most of he northern half of the island. Also included in the ecoregion are the forested lowland hills of the Oshima Peninsula, which is the southern extension of Hokkaido Island.

Location and description

The ecoregion stretches for up the western side of Honshu, from Wakasa Bay in the south and expanding to cover the breadth of the island by the time it reaches the northern coast. Elevations range from sea level to, with an average of. Throughout the ecoregion, individual mountain peaks rise above the zone of deciduous trees into the Honshu alpine conifer forests ecoregion.

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Humid continental climate - Hot summer sub-type, with large seasonal temperature differentials and a hot summer (at least one month averaging over, and mild winters.

Flora and fauna

The climate is cooler in the north of Honshu than the south, with deciduous trees typified by Japanese beech ' and Jolcham oak '.

Protected areas

Protected areas in the ecoregion include: