Don’t leave the light on for fireflies.
According to a new study in the journalBioScience, thousands of species of fireflies could be at risk of extinction due habitat loss and humanity’s use of pesticides and artificial light.
“Despite evidence of declines, a comprehensive review of the conservation status and threats facing the approximately 2000 firefly species worldwide is lacking. We conducted a survey of experts from diverse geographic regions to identify the most prominent perceived threats to firefly population and species persistence,” reads the study on why its authors chose to look into the future of fireflies.
After reaching out to 350 members of the Fireflyers International Network, “a scientific organization composed of individuals with interests and expertise in firefly ecology, behavior, taxonomy, or conservation,” according to the study, and asking experts what they thought the top threats were to the survival of fireflies, the study’s authors found that habitat loss, pesticide use and artificial light were the top concerns for firefly conservationists.
Getty
“These survey results should be interpreted with caution, because they reflect only expert opinion concerning perceived threats to firefly species persistence,” the study’s authors write in BioScience, before launching into a look at each of these three threats.
Habitat loss is the threat the most experts are concerned about, citing some fireflies’ dependence on certain environmental conditions for mating. As the firefly’s breeding ground is destroyed for the production of resources, experts worry that numerous firefly species will have greater difficulty breeding.
Based on the expert responses they received, the study lists humanity’s use of artificial light as the second biggest threat to fireflies.
Along with attracting children with jars, a firefly’s bioluminescence — it’s natural ability to glow — is used to attract mates. The artificial light from signs, homes, and the overall glow of cities can overpower a firefly’s natural light, making it harder for mates to find on another.
The third threat experts expressed concerned over is the use of pesticides. Pesticides have the potential to kill both fireflies and their prey.
As the study’s authors noted, the study is not a census of the current state of the firefly population, but recent data for some species does show “populations are, in fact, declining,”Sara M. Lewis, a biologist at Tufts University and one of the study’s authors, toldWashington Post.
For those who aren’t firefly experts, but still want to do their part to protect these magical insects, Lewis suggests joining a firefly monitoring group, such asFirefly Watch. She toldWashington Postthat data from everyday people out in their backyards, documenting how many fireflies they see, what type the insects are and how often they flash, could help experts “figure out what species are in trouble.”
source: people.com
