Latest news with #Pteroptyxtener
The Star
05-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Sparkling bright future for fireflies in Malaysia
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.
The Star
24-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Firefly sanctuary funded by federal government launched in Kemaman
The firefly sanctuary project in Kampung Yak Yah in Chukai, Terengganu, stands not only as a symbol of environmental conservation but also a driver of growth for the local economy. Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the RM5.3mil initiative, which began in 2019, was fully completed in April last year. Funded entirely by the Federal Government, the project aims to conserve, restore and rehabilitate the firefly population within the Sungai Chukai ecosystem, reported Bernama. 'This project was implemented by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) under the Landscape Conservation Programme through the National Landscape Department, in collaboration with Kemaman Municipal Council,' she said after officially launching the sanctuary. As part of efforts to protect the firefly habitat, 200 mangrove trees, 2,000 berembang (mangrove apple) and 500 nipah palms were also planted along the river. Aiman Athirah said the sanctuary was equipped with a range of facilities, including a jetty for visitors, information centre and boat services for guided river tours. It has also been recognised as one of Malaysia's leading firefly-viewing destinations due to the presence of the Pteroptyx tener, a firefly species known for its ability to flash in synchrony. 'This makes the sanctuary a significant draw for both nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists,' she said. Aiman Athirah added that the sanctuary would also function as a hub for research, environmental education and volunteer-led conservation initiatives.
