WILL NEW GENERATIONS REMEMBER THE MAGIC OF FIREFLIES?

Around the world, fireflies illuminate the night with their glowing bodies, but scientists now warn that their "magic" is under threat, and future generations may never get the chance to chase these tiny creatures around their yards.

The primary reason for the decline in firefly populations is habitat loss. Fireflies require specific conditions to complete their life cycle, according to researchers from Tufts University in Massachusetts, who conducted a study on this issue.

For instance, a species of fireflies in Malaysia, known for their synchronized flashing, needs mangrove forests to reproduce in the area. However, these forests are being replaced by palm oil plantations.

Researchers were surprised to find that artificial lighting is also contributing to the decline of fireflies. Artificial light from streetlights, advertisements, and the windows of residential buildings disrupts their natural rhythms and mating rituals.

"Apart from disrupting their natural biorhythm, artificial light affects their mating rituals," notes Avalon Owens, a co-author of the study.

Most fireflies rely on bioluminescence—a chemical reaction in their bodies that allows them to attract mates with their light. Excessive artificial light interferes with this process.

Dave Goulson, a biology professor at the University of Sussex, highlights that pesticides are one of the main reasons for the decreasing number of fireflies. Scientists have identified an ongoing "silent apocalypse" in the insect world, with 41% of insect species now facing extinction.

In Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia, firefly watching tours have become increasingly popular among tourists. However, mass tourism along rivers near mangrove forests in Thailand leads to tree destruction and riverbank erosion, further damaging the natural habitats of these glowing creatures.

Source: Mondo.rs