How hungry little bookworms are taking a bite out of Japanese historyーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Invasive Species: Organisms that are not native to a particular environment and can cause harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health.
• Bookworms: Insects that feed on paper.
• New Hakshim was a Ghost Silverfish: The specific invasive insect species discussed, known in Japanese.
• Parthenogenesis: A form of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs.
• Cultural Assets: Items of historical, artistic, or cultural significance.
• White Moths (from America): Another invasive species in Japan that damages urban trees.
• Fire Ants (from South America): Another invasive species in Japan that poses threats to humans and infrastructure.

Invasive Insect Threatening Japanese Historical Documents

Japan is facing a new challenge from an invasive insect species that targets paper, posing a significant risk to historical documents and cultural assets. This insect, known in Japanese as "new hakshim was a ghost silverfish," is a type of bookworm that feeds on paper, with a preference for older materials.

Details of the Invasive Species

• Origin and Discovery: The species was first discovered in Sri Lanka about a century ago. It was first detected in Japan three years ago.
• Rapid Spread: Since its detection, the insect has been spreading rapidly across Japan. Initially found in only five prefectures, a recent survey indicates its presence in at least 19 prefectures.
• Reproductive Capacity: A key factor in its rapid spread is its high reproductive rate. Researchers have found that the bugs in Japan can reproduce without males, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis. This means every offspring is female, allowing even a single insect to initiate substantial population growth.
• Population Growth Estimates: It is estimated that a single bug can multiply to 130 individuals within a year. Over three years, a single source could potentially lead to a population of up to 20,000 insects.
• Movement and Damage: The insect is described as small and moves very quickly. It damages various papers, making it a serious threat to museums and other institutions that house historical documents.

Impact on Cultural Heritage

• Risk to Cultural Assets: Experts believe that if the insect population continues to grow unchecked, some of Japan's cultural assets will eventually be at risk.
• Current Status: While there are no current reports of national treasures or important cultural properties being damaged, experts consider it a matter of time before such damage occurs.

Efforts to Combat the Spread

• Information Sharing and Action: A group has launched a website dedicated to fighting the insect and is providing free sticky traps and poison to facilities experiencing outbreaks.
• Challenges: Eradicating invasive species once they have taken hold is extremely difficult. Japan is already dealing with other invasive species, such as white moths from America that devastate urban trees and fire ants from South America that threaten humans and infrastructure.
• Hope for Prevention: The primary hope for preventing further spread lies in sharing information and acting swiftly.

Conclusion

The "new hakshim was a ghost silverfish" represents a significant new threat to Japan's rich historical and cultural heritage. Its rapid reproduction and ability to spread quickly, coupled with its paper-consuming diet, necessitate urgent and coordinated efforts to control its population and protect invaluable documents and artifacts. The situation underscores the ongoing challenge of managing invasive species and the importance of rapid response and information dissemination.