Teshio Experimental Forest Forest Research Station

The Teshio Experimental Forest (ca. 22,500 ha) was established in 1912, and is located in the northernmost part of Japan. The bedrock in the area east of Toikanbetsu River is serpentinite. In this area, Akaezo spruce (Picea glehnii) is the dominant tree, and unique herbage is present. A mixed conifer and broadleaf forest extends in other areas. Several fires damaged the forest during the past 100 years, so there are large areas of bamboo with no tall trees and secondary forests, mainly of birches. Research and educational projects focus on the unique characteristics of this experimental forest. Studies on animals such as bears and fishes are also conducted. Recently, carbon, water and nitrogen cycles in the forest are monitored in detail, and experimental studies on the predator-prey interactions are conducted in the ponds. Experiments on the effects of fire and soil-warming on the forest material flows and dynamics are being conducted as well.

Teshio Experimental Forest
ADDRESS
Toikanbetsu, Horonobe, Hokkaido, 098-2943, JAPAN
TEL
+81-1632-6-5211
FAX
+81-1632-6-5003
E-MAIL
tesio [at] fsc.hokudai.ac.jp