{
  "id": 12280615,
  "title": "News in Easy English: Imperial Palace forest has new life, but lost life, too",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/news-in-easy-english-imperial-palace-forest-has-new-life-but-lost",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-06T02:00:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20261006/p2a/00m/0na/001000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nAmong 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nHowever, 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.\n\nOne 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "TOKYO -- The Imperial Palace forest is in the middle of Tokyo. It is a safe home for wildlife. The Fukiage Gardens are there. They are not open to the",
  "key_points": [
    "Imperial Palace forest houses 7,982 plant and animal species",
    "New discoveries include Fukiage-nirinso flower and mite species",
    "Bird presence indicates thriving ecosystem, but Japanese tree frog rare"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}