Jeju: A tropical mosquito species, commonly known as the southern house mosquito, was recently found on South Korea's southernmost island of Jeju, marking the first time this species has ever been found in the country. The Korea Herald reported on Monday that this discovery is significant as it indicates a potential shift in the biodiversity of the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on Monday that mosquito samples collected in August on Jeju Island included the southern house mosquito, a species typically found in tropical or subtropical regions. This finding is particularly noteworthy given that while Culex quinquefasciatus, the scientific name for the southern house mosquito, was noted in a 1956 study, this is the first confirmed occurrence of the species in South Korea.

The KDCA reported that the species was found in several areas across Jeju, indicating that it has likely established a sustainable habitat on the island. An official from the KDCA mentioned that the exact method of the mosquito's arrival is unclear, but it appears that South Korea has now become a habitable environment for the species.

A 2023 report on climate change from the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment revealed that South Korea's average temperature has increased by 1.6C from 1912 to 2020, a rate faster than the global average increase of 1.09C during the same period. This climate shift could be contributing to the new presence of the tropical mosquito species in the region.