The volcanoes and marshlands of Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park nurture a variety of flora and fauna. The ridgelines of the Myoko mountain range are thick with creeping pine trees, while the foothills are flecked with cotton grass, marsh marigold and Asian skunk cabbage. Mongolian oak, a symbol of the park, along with white birch and Japanese beech, can be seen throughout the park's forests. The park attracts a range of birds such as Narcissus flycatchers, rock ptarmigans, Eurasian wrens and white-backed woodpeckers.
Plants
Hakusan Kozakura
The Hakusan kozakura (Primula cuneifolia Ledeb. var. hakusanensis Makino) is a perennial plant found in snowmelt areas and damp grasslands in the park. Hakuzan kozakura can be found on Mount Hiuchi, where snow often remains until early summer, Koyaike Pond, Tengu-no-Niwa and Kurosawaike Pond. It produces vibrant pink flowers from July to August.
Hakusan Kozakura
Japanese Stone Pine
The Japanese stone pine (Pinus pumila) is a coniferous evergreen shrub that grows around the summits and ridgelines of the Myoko mountain range. Because of strong winds and the harsh environment, these pines typically grow between 1 and 3 meters high.
Japanese Stone Pine
Animals
Rock Ptarmigan
The rock ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus japonicus) inhabits alpine zones over 2,000 meters up. A survivor of the Ice Age, it was named a Special Natural Monument. From 20 to 30 rock ptarmigans inhabit this park, with Mount Hiuchi its northernmost habitat in Japan.
Rock Ptarmigan
Blue-and-White Flycatcher
The blue-and-white flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana) is a migratory songbird seen in Japan between late spring and early autumn. Males are electric blue with a white breast, while the females are grayish-brown. It inhabits Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park's mountainous areas and forested river banks.
Blue-and-White Flycatcher