News in Easy English: Imperial Palace forest has new life, but lost life, too

The Imperial Palace forest in the heart of Tokyo is a safe haven for wildlife. A survey, initiated by Emperor Emeritus Akihito in 1996, has revealed the rich biodiversity within the forest. Over the course of five years, researchers discovered a staggering 7,982 plant and animal species, some of which were previously unknown to science.

Among the findings were the Fukiage-nirinso, a flower named after the gardens where it was discovered, and Eotetranychus palatiensis, a mite found near the Imperial Palace's Biological Laboratory. These discoveries added valuable entries to the scientific community's knowledge.

The survey also provided encouraging news on the status of certain bird species. In 2022, Sayako Kuroda observed northern goshawks and owls with young birds at the Imperial Palace and the Akasaka Estate. The presence of these birds indicates a thriving ecosystem with ample food sources for them.

However, the survey also highlighted concerning trends. The Japanese tree frog, once a common sight and sound in the forest, has been notably absent from recent observations. Bullfrogs, introduced species, have become more prevalent. Additionally, Japanese rice fish from earlier surveys might be extinct, replaced by mosquitofish.

One particular species, the candleflame lichen, was once found on a trident maple tree from around 2009 to 2023. By 2025, this delicate lichen was nearly gone, underscoring the delicate balance of the forest's ecosystem.

The survey also presented evidence of climate change's impact, with the Imperial Palace experiencing a rise of about 1 degree Celsius over the past 15 years. The museum plans to showcase the findings of the survey in an exhibition set to open in March 2027 at its main building in Tokyo's Ueno district. This exhibition aims to raise awareness about the pressing issue of biodiversity loss, even within the protected confines of the Imperial Palace.