The firefly colonies along the Kuala Selangor River in Malaysia may face destruction soon, it was reported in the news this week.
AFP reports: “If we do not do anything, the lights will go out for the fireflies by the end of the year,” said Elizabeth Wong, who heads tourism and environmental affairs in the state of Selangor, which surrounds Malaysia’s capital.
Wong said environmental groups had alerted the state government to the “impending destruction” of the riverside firefly colony, which lies about 90 minutes’ drive from Kuala Lumpur.
Tourists flock to the area to watch the fireflies, which cluster in riverside trees and produce a magical light display as males and females communicate.
Tour operators say the number of insects has fallen sharply because of development in the area.
Wong said that despite the region’s being declared a firefly sanctuary, almost 95 acres (38 hectares) of land along the Selangor river had been cleared of the trees in which fireflies live.”
This news impacted me emotionally as I visited the fireflies sanctuary some years back , and it was the one of the most enchanting nights that I have experienced. (The name for firefly in Bahasa Malaysia is kelip kelip which means ‘to twinkle’.)
We boarded a simple, wooden boat, and along the riverbanks, the fireflies clustered and twinkled on the trees. Visitors were requested to be quiet so as not to disturb the insects. “Nature’s own Christmas trees” was the description that came my mind.
In the stillness of the night, the only sounds being heard were the swishing of the oars against the water, we watched tree after tree of that magical display. A firefly landed on the boatman’s hand, and he beckoned us to take a closer look. We leaned forward and smiled at the sight of the little creature which created such beauty in groups.
In the report, Bert Che, senior executive with Firefly Park Resort, which organizes the river tours, was quoted as saying: “I hope everyone will treasure our fireflies. If we don’t, our next generation will not be able to see the insects.”
I’m sure many of us will support and hope that the fireflies population will be protected and saved.
When I was growing up firefly was a common sight.
Thanks for sharing, Pak Idrus.
Good to see your writing! I look forward to seeing more of your work
Hi Don. Thanks for your encouragement.