Where are the Ogasawara Islands located in relation to Tokyo?

The Ogasawara Islands, where the national park is situated, are located approximately one thousand kilometers to the south of Tokyo, Japan. This places them in a remote oceanic region.

When was Ogasawara National Park officially established?

Ogasawara National Park was established on October 16, 1972.

What is the Japanese name for Ogasawara National Park?

The Japanese name for Ogasawara National Park is 小笠原国立公園 (Ogasawara Kokuritsu Kōen).

What IUCN category has been assigned to Ogasawara National Park?

Ogasawara National Park is classified under IUCN category II, which designates it as a national park. This category signifies areas managed primarily for ecological preservation and recreation.

What is the total area covered by Ogasawara National Park?

The total area of Ogasawara National Park is 66.29 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 25.59 square miles.

Which Japanese government ministry oversees Ogasawara National Park?

The Ministry of the Environment (Japan) is the governing body responsible for the administration and management of Ogasawara National Park.

What is the significance of the Ogasawara Islands being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

In 2011, the Ogasawara Islands, which encompass the national park, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This designation recognizes the islands' outstanding universal value, particularly for their unique natural environment.

What is another name for the Ogasawara Islands, and what is the origin of this name?

The archipelago is also known as the Bonin Islands. This name is derived from a corruption of the Japanese word 'munin', which means 'uninhabited'.

Are the Volcano Islands, such as Iwo Jima, part of Ogasawara National Park?

No, while the Volcano Islands are part of the Ogasawara archipelago, only Mukojima is included within Ogasawara National Park. Iwo Jima and Minami Iwo Jima are not part of the park.

According to the IUCN evaluation, how many taxa of native plants have been recorded in the Ogasawara Islands?

The IUCN evaluation for UNESCO recorded a total of 441 taxa of native plants within the Ogasawara Islands.

How many species of vascular plants found in the park's region are endemic?

Out of the native plants recorded, 161 species of vascular plants are endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

What is the number of endemic woody plant species in the Ogasawara Islands?

Eighty-eight species of woody plants are endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, highlighting the unique botanical diversity of the region.

What is the only native mammal found in the Ogasawara Islands, and what is its conservation status?

The only native mammal recorded in the Ogasawara Islands is the Bonin flying fox, which is classified as critically endangered, facing a very high risk of extinction.

How many bird species have been documented in the Ogasawara Islands, and how many are listed on the IUCN Red List?

A total of 195 species of birds have been recorded in the Ogasawara Islands, with fourteen of these species appearing on the IUCN Red List due to their conservation status.

What is the significance of the Ogasawara snake-eyed skink?

The Ogasawara snake-eyed skink (Cryptoblepharus nigropunctatus) is significant because it is one of the two terrestrial reptiles native to the islands, and it is endemic, meaning it is found only in this specific region.

How many insect species have been recorded in the Ogasawara Islands, and what percentage are endemic?

A total of 1,380 insect species have been recorded in the Ogasawara Islands. Of these, 379 are endemic, indicating a high level of unique insect biodiversity.

What proportion of the land snail species found in the Ogasawara Islands are endemic?

Out of 134 species of land snails recorded, 100 are endemic to the Ogasawara Islands. This means approximately 75% of the land snail species are unique to this archipelago.

How many species of freshwater fish inhabit the waters within Ogasawara National Park?

There are 40 species of freshwater fish recorded within the area managed by Ogasawara National Park.

How many species of cetaceans have been observed in the marine environment associated with the Ogasawara Islands?

The waters surrounding the Ogasawara Islands are home to 23 recorded species of cetaceans, which include various types of whales and dolphins.

What is the diversity of saltwater fish species found near Ogasawara National Park?

The marine ecosystem near Ogasawara National Park supports a rich diversity of fish, with 795 species of saltwater fish having been recorded.

How many species of hermatypic coral have been documented in the waters of the Ogasawara Islands?

The park's surrounding waters are home to 226 species of hermatypic coral, which are the reef-building corals crucial for marine habitats.

What type of plant is Cyathea medullaris, and where is it found?

Cyathea medullaris is a species of tree fern that can be found within Ogasawara National Park, contributing to the park's unique flora.

What is Cyathea spinulosa?

Cyathea spinulosa is another species of fern that grows in Ogasawara National Park, adding to the diverse plant life of the region.

What is Leucaena leucocephala?

Leucaena leucocephala is a species of leguminous tree that has been documented within the Bonin Islands, the area encompassing Ogasawara National Park.

What is Pinus luchuensis?

Pinus luchuensis, also known as the Okinawa pine, is a species of pine tree found in the region, including within the vicinity of Ogasawara National Park.

What does the term 'munin' mean, and how does it relate to the Bonin Islands?

The term 'munin' is a Japanese word meaning 'uninhabited'. It is the origin of the name 'Bonin Islands', which is an alternative name for the Ogasawara Islands.

What are the geographical coordinates for Ogasawara National Park?

The geographical coordinates for Ogasawara National Park are 26°52′00″N 142°10′59″E.

What is the implication of the Ogasawara Islands being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

The inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List signifies that the Ogasawara Islands possess exceptional natural importance and unique ecological features recognized globally, warranting international efforts for their preservation.

Which island clusters are explicitly mentioned as being part of Ogasawara National Park?

The park's territory includes the Chichijima, Hahajima, and Mukojima island clusters.

What is the conservation status of the Bonin flying fox?

The Bonin flying fox, the sole native mammal species in the Ogasawara Islands, is classified as critically endangered, indicating it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

What role do the Natural Parks Foundation and the Ministry of the Environment (Japan) play concerning Ogasawara National Park?

The Natural Parks Foundation is cited as a source of information about the park, while the Ministry of the Environment (Japan) is the official governing body responsible for its management and administration.

What does the IUCN classification 'Category II (national park)' signify for Ogasawara National Park?

The IUCN Category II designation indicates that Ogasawara National Park is a large natural area managed primarily for ecosystem protection and recreation, aligning with the typical definition and purpose of a national park.

In the context of the park's biodiversity, what does the term 'endemic' mean?

The term 'endemic' signifies that a species is native and restricted to a particular geographic area. Many species within Ogasawara National Park, such as certain plants and the Ogasawara snake-eyed skink, are endemic to the Ogasawara Islands.

What is the significance of the gallery images featuring Cyathea medullaris and Cyathea spinulosa?

The gallery images featuring Cyathea medullaris and Cyathea spinulosa highlight specific examples of the park's unique flora, showcasing the presence of distinct fern species within Ogasawara National Park.

What is the meaning of the Japanese name Ogasawara Kokuritsu Kōen?

The Japanese name Ogasawara Kokuritsu Kōen directly translates to Ogasawara National Park, with 'Kokuritsu Kōen' specifically meaning 'National Park'.

What is the approximate area of Ogasawara National Park in square miles?

Ogasawara National Park covers an area of approximately 25.59 square miles.

What historical event preceded the return of the Ogasawara Islands to Japanese administration in 1968?

The Ogasawara Islands were under US Occupation prior to their return to Japanese administration in 1968.

What is the relationship between Ogasawara National Park and the broader Ogasawara Islands World Heritage site?

Ogasawara National Park is situated within the Ogasawara Islands, which as a whole were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 due to their significant natural value. The park protects a portion of this World Heritage area.

What does the presence of 226 species of hermatypic coral indicate about the marine environment of the Ogasawara Islands?

The large number of hermatypic coral species (226) indicates a healthy and diverse coral reef ecosystem in the waters surrounding the Ogasawara Islands, which are vital for marine biodiversity.

What is the purpose of the external links provided for Ogasawara National Park?

The external links provide additional resources for further information, including travel guides on Wikivoyage, media files on Wikimedia Commons, official park information from Japan.travel, and detailed maps of the park's areas.

How does the number of endemic land snail species compare to the total number of land snail species in the park?

A significant majority of land snail species are endemic; out of 134 recorded species, 100 are endemic, highlighting the unique evolutionary history of the islands' terrestrial fauna.

What is the significance of the park's location being approximately 1,000 km south of Tokyo?

This distance signifies the remote and isolated nature of the Ogasawara Islands, contributing to their unique ecosystems and biodiversity, distinct from mainland Japan.

What does the term 'national park' generally imply for an area like Ogasawara?

The designation 'national park' implies that the area is recognized for its natural beauty, ecological significance, or unique geological features, and is managed for conservation, scientific study, and public enjoyment.

What is the role of the coordinates in defining Ogasawara National Park?

The coordinates pinpoint the precise geographical location of Ogasawara National Park on Earth, enabling accurate mapping and identification of its position within the Ogasawara Islands and the Pacific Ocean.

What does the inscription of the Ogasawara Islands on the UNESCO World Heritage List suggest about their global importance?

The UNESCO World Heritage inscription suggests that the Ogasawara Islands possess outstanding universal value, meaning their natural significance is recognized as important not just for Japan, but for all of humanity, requiring global attention for conservation.

Ogasawara National Park Wiki: Ogasawara National Park: An Isolated Pacific Sanctuary of Unique Biodiversity

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Introduction

Remote Pacific Location

Ogasawara National Park is situated within the Ogasawara Islands, an archipelago located approximately one thousand kilometers south of Tokyo, Japan. Established on October 16, 1972, the park falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ogasawara municipality, which is part of the Tokyo Metropolis. Its unique geographical isolation has fostered an extraordinary level of endemic biodiversity.

UNESCO World Heritage Status

Recognizing its global significance, the Ogasawara Islands were inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. This designation highlights the archipelago's exceptional natural value, particularly its unique evolutionary history and the high degree of endemism found across its terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Archipelago Composition

Geographic Scope

The Ogasawara archipelago, also known historically as the Bonin Islands (a transliteration of the Japanese 'munin', meaning 'uninhabited'), was returned to Japanese administration in 1968 following the period of US Occupation. The national park encompasses significant portions of the Chichijima, Hahajima, and Mukojima island clusters. Notably, the three Volcano Islands—Iwo Jima and Minami Iwo Jima—are not included within the park's boundaries.^[1]

Administrative Context

The park was officially established in 1972, operating under the governance of the Ministry of the Environment (Japan). Its designation as a national park underscores Japan's commitment to preserving the unique natural heritage of these remote islands, which represent a critical biogeographical crossroads.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Exceptional Biodiversity

Endemic Flora

The Ogasawara Islands boast an extraordinary array of native plant life, a testament to their long isolation. According to IUCN evaluations, the archipelago hosts approximately 441 taxa of native plants. A significant proportion of these are endemic, with 161 species of vascular plants and 88 species of woody plants found nowhere else on Earth. This high level of endemism makes the park a critical site for botanical research and conservation.^[6]

Examples of notable flora found within the park include:

Cyathea medullaris: A large tree fern, contributing to the lush, prehistoric feel of the island's forests.
Cyathea spinulosa: Another species of tree fern, further enhancing the unique forest structure.
Leucaena leucocephala: A flowering shrub or small tree, often found in these island ecosystems.
Pinus luchuensis: Known as the Okinawa pine, this species is also present, adapted to the island environment.

Unique Fauna

The fauna of Ogasawara National Park is equally remarkable, characterized by high endemism and unique evolutionary lineages. The only native land mammal is the critically endangered Bonin flying fox (Pteropus pterygotis), a significant indicator species for the health of the island's ecosystem.^[6]

The park's fauna includes:

Birds: 195 recorded species, with fourteen species listed on the IUCN Red List, highlighting conservation concerns for avian populations.^[6]
Reptiles: Two terrestrial reptile species are known, including the endemic Ogasawara snake-eyed skink (Cryptoblepharus nigropunctatus).^[6]
Insects: A diverse insect population comprising 1,380 recorded species, of which 379 are endemic to the islands.^[6]
Land Snails: 134 species of land snails have been documented, with an impressive 100 species being endemic.^[6]
Marine Life: The surrounding waters are rich with marine life, including 40 species of freshwater fish, 23 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins), 795 species of saltwater fish, and 226 species of hermatypic corals.^[6]

Further Exploration

Related Parks

Ogasawara National Park is part of Japan's extensive network of protected natural areas. For a broader understanding of conservation efforts in the country, explore the list of National Parks of Japan.

World Heritage Sites

The unique ecological significance of the Ogasawara Islands is recognized globally. Further information on Japan's cultural and natural heritage sites can be found on the list of World Heritage Sites in Japan.

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

External Resources

Travel Information

For travel planning and visitor information, consult the dedicated Wikivoyage guide:

(in English) Ogasawara National Park Travel Guide

Media Repository

Explore visual media related to the park on Wikimedia Commons:

Ogasawara National Park Media

Official Information

Access official park information and maps from the Japanese government:

(in English) Ogasawara National Park - Japan National Tourism Organization
Map of Ogasawara National Park (Chichi and Haha Islands)
Map of Ogasawara National Park (Other islands)

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ogasawara National Park Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not travel or conservation advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding travel, conservation, or ecological matters. Always refer to official park guidelines and consult with qualified experts for specific advice.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Ogasawara National Park

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

📍 Remote Pacific Location

🌍 UNESCO World Heritage Status

Archipelago Composition 🏝️

🗺️ Geographic Scope

🏛️ Administrative Context

Exceptional Biodiversity 🌿

🌸 Endemic Flora

🦇 Unique Fauna

Further Exploration 🔗

🏞️ Related Parks

🏛️ World Heritage Sites

References 📚

📜 Source Material

External Resources 🌐

✈️ Travel Information

🖼️ Media Repository

🇯🇵 Official Information

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Remote Pacific Location

UNESCO World Heritage Status

Archipelago Composition

Geographic Scope

Administrative Context

Exceptional Biodiversity

Endemic Flora

Unique Fauna

Further Exploration

Related Parks

World Heritage Sites

References

Source Material

External Resources

Travel Information

Media Repository

Official Information

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice