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[Newsletter No.32] Korea National Park Service Detecting Signs of Climate Change through Shifts in Biodiversity
CBD-CHM Newsletter Vol. 32
Korea National Park Service Detecting Signs of Climate Change through Shifts in Biodiversity
The Korea National Park Service of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has confirmed clear signs of climate change such as advancement of breeding period of birds and frogs by conducting long-term phenological monitoring1) in forests of national parks and uninhabited islands.
Key findings reveal that, in Jirisan National Park, the first breeding date of the Ueno's brown frog (Rana uenoi)2) has advanced by about 18 days over the past 15 years and, in Hongdo within Hallyeohaesang National Park, the black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) has shown an average advancement of 6.5 days in its breeding period.
At Seoraksan National Park, the leaf retention period of Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) averaged 152 days over the last 10 years from 2015 to 2024, which is about 48 days longer in 2024 compared to 2015. Overall, both fauna and flora are showing distinct changes in their phenological patterns.
These changes go beyond simple temperature rise. They disrupt the ‘biological clock of nature’ causing unforeseen impacts3) on ecosystems such as food chains.
This observation is meaningful because it was made possible not only by professional researchers but also by active participation of citizen scientists4). By collecting and recording data nationwide, citizen scientists have helped establish a foundation for the public to directly perceive and relate to the climate crisis.
1)
Phenology: Temporal changes in biological events of plants and animals in response to seasonal variations.
2)
Distributed across the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island, and Tsushima Island in Japan, it is one of the Climate-sensitive Biological Indicator Species. Its breeding season occurs from March to May.
3)
If the breeding season of birds advances, insects may not yet be active, resulting in food shortages for chicks and decreased survival rates.
4)
The general public who voluntarily participate in research activities such as environmental and ecological surveys, collaborating with experts.
