Latest news with #WorldFireflyDay
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 Sun
04-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
FRIM leads firefly conservation efforts in Malaysia amid population decline
KUALA LUMPUR: The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is spearheading critical research to conserve the country's dwindling firefly population. Under its Fauna Biodiversity Programme, scientists are addressing threats like habitat loss, pollution, and climate change to protect these bioluminescent insects. Programme head Dr Nada Badruddin highlighted multiple environmental pressures endangering fireflies, including riverbank erosion, waste pollution, and artificial light disrupting mating signals. 'Climate change further risks their survival through floods, droughts, and temperature shifts,' she said in a statement marking World Firefly Day. Key research focuses on the Pteroptyx tener species in Sungai Selangor, where lab breeding studies revealed the larval stage as the longest in their lifecycle. Findings emphasized the importance of natural riverbank vegetation beyond just berembang trees (Sonneratia caseolaris). Snail availability as larval food and suitable egg-laying sites were also identified as critical habitat needs. Long-term monitoring from 2006 to 2023 showed a 22.7% population decline by 2021, though recent recovery signs were noted. Nada credited improved river management and a Protection Zone gazetted by Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) for this positive trend. A replanting project in Tanjung Beluntas near Kampung Kuantan also saw gradual firefly resurgence. These efforts informed the *Sungai Selangor Firefly Conservation Action Plan 2022–2030*, now integrated into LUAS's basin management strategy. The plan promotes controlled development, eco-tourism, community involvement, and sustainable funding. 'Science-based collaboration proves firefly conservation is achievable,' Nada affirmed, underscoring stakeholder engagement as vital for lasting impact. - Bernama
