Kabukuri-numa and the surrounding rice paddies. 08/11/05; Miyagi; 423 ha; 38°38'N 141°06'E. NWPA. One of the largest wintering sites for Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose (7.86%-18.46% East Eurasian Population), Anser fabalis middendorffii Bean Goose, Whooper Swan and, in total, 230 bird species for breeding, foraging and roosting. The lake is inhabited by typical lowland swamp vegetation of Manchurian wild rice and reeds, with willows along the shores and rare species of Penthorum chinensis. About 22 species of dragonflies and various freshwater fishes are found. For managing the wintering ground, measures such as water management, clean-ups, channel maintenance and water quality improvement are regularly conducted. In winter and post-harvest, the rice fields are left flooded for wildbirds to winter in the site; later the nutrient-rich soil from droppings is used as natural fertiliser for the wild rice, in addition to controling weeds and pests. Public awareness programmes and school education are integrated with the local conservation measures. Ramsar site no. 1545. Most recent RIS information: 2005.