Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park

Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park supports four distinct ecological zones from alpine summits down to grasslands at the mountain foothills. Rock ptarmigans, relict species from the ice age, survive in only a few dozen individuals on Mt. Hiuchi and Mt. Yakeyama, where conservation work is underway to protect their habitat as the climate warms. The montane forests hold Japanese black bears, tiny dormice, and the snow camellia, Niigata's prefectural flower. Imori Pond near the visitor center takes its name from fire-bellied newts and hosts multiple dragonfly species including survivors of the last ice age.