Sparkling bright future for fireflies in Malaysia

The Star

05-07-2025

Kampung_Kuantan_Fireflies_Park_Signboard_Tourism_Selangor
KUALA LUMPUR: The vulnerable firefly population is a key 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 environmental factors including riverbank erosion, solid waste pollution, land clearing for agriculture and artificial light pollution, which disrupts their light signals used to attract mates.
In a statement, she said climate change also has the potential to impact the insects' habitat through flooding, drought, temperature changes and disruptions to their bioluminescence.
'Protecting the natural habitat of fireflies is not only essential for preserving these natural treasures but also contributes to the local economy through ecotourism activities and supports sustainable development for both people and the environment,' she said, Bernama reported.
The statement was issued in conjunction with World Firefly Day, celebrated annually on the first weekend of July.
Under the Fauna Biodiversity Programme, she said, the focus includes biodiversity, taxonomy, ecology, insect conservation and leading national firefly conservation research efforts.
Nada noted that research on the Pteroptyx tener species, which is dominant along Sungai Selangor in Kuala Selangor, involves breeding the insects in a laboratory setting to better understand their life cycle, habitat needs, and the predatory behaviour of their larvae.
She added that FRIM has also identified specific habitat needs, such as the availability of snails as a primary food source for larvae and suitable areas for egg-laying.
Efforts to develop firefly-friendly monitoring methods began around 2006 to 2007 and were carried out monthly at seven permanent monitoring stations along the river until 2023.