FRIM Leads Research On Conservation Of Firefly Population

KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- The vulnerable firefly population is a focus of the Fauna Biodiversity Programme at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), which is conducting several research studies to help conserve the species in the country.

Programme head Dr Nada Badruddin said fireflies are threatened by various environmental factors, including riverbank erosion, solid waste pollution, land clearing for agriculture and artificial light pollution that disrupts the insects' light signals to attract mates.

In a statement today, she said climate change also has the potential to affect the insect's habitat through flooding, drought, temperature changes and disruption to the firefly's bioluminescence.

"Protecting the natural habitat of fireflies is not only important for the preservation of natural treasures but also contributes to the local economy through ecotourism activities and creating sustainable development for the people and the environment," she said in the statement.

The statement was issued in conjunction with World Firefly Day, which is celebrated on the first weekend of July every year.

Under the Fauna Biodiversity programme, she said, focus is given to biodiversity, taxonomy, ecology and insect conservation, as well as leading firefly conservation research efforts in the country.

Nada said the research on the Pteroptyx tener firefly, which is dominant in Sungai Selangor, Kuala Selangor, involves breeding in the laboratory to understand the life cycle, habitat requirements and predatory behaviour of the larvae.

“The findings have shown that the larval stage is the longest in the life cycle of the firefly, and that the natural vegetation of the riverbank is an important habitat for the development and survival of this species, exceeding its sole reliance on the berembang tree (Sonneratia caseolaris),” she said.

In addition, she said, FRIM also identified specific habitat requirements such as the availability of snails as the main food source for the larvae and suitable areas for the fireflies to lay eggs.

According to her, efforts to develop firefly-friendly monitoring methods around 2006 to 2007 were also implemented monthly at seven permanent monitoring stations along the Selangor River until 2023.

“Through the monitoring, long-term data showed a decline in the firefly population of 22.7 per cent by 2021,” she said, adding that the rate was found to be declining and starting to show signs of recovery.

Nada said the positive development was likely contributed by the gazetting of a Protection Zone in the firefly habitat in Kuala Selangor by Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) and better river management.

“The pilot replanting site in Tanjung Beluntas near the Kampung Kuantan firefly jetty, Kuala Selangor, also showed a gradual increase in population,” she said.

According to her, the research results have led to the development of the Sungai Selangor Firefly Conservation Action Plan 2022–2030, which is now part of the management strategy under the Sungai Selangor Basin Management Plan by LUAS.

“This plan includes a controlled development strategy, sustainable ecotourism, local community involvement in conservation and sustainable financing,” she said.

Nada said the science-based approach and active engagement with stakeholders and interested parties, as practised by FRIM, prove that firefly conservation can be implemented sustainably with the cooperation of all parties.

-- BERNAMA