Japan's iconic "Snow Monsters" face rapid decline amid climate change and pests.

• Mount Zao's famous "snow monsters" (juhyo), ice-covered fir trees, are fading faster than expected due to environmental stress.
• The decline is attributed to pest infestations, rising temperatures, and reduced snow and ice formation.
• Historical measurements show a drastic reduction in juhyo size, from 5-6 meters across in the 1930s to often less than half a meter since 2019.
• Conservation efforts include replanting fir saplings and pest control, but full recovery is expected to take decades and depends on climate trends.
• The disappearance highlights the impact of climate change on fragile ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, culture, and local tourism.

Why It Matters: Disappearing 'snow monsters' highlight climate change's impact on unique ecosystems.