Tourist influx for ‘firefly festivals’, climate change threatens survival of delicate insect species

The end of May brings with it a gentle breeze from the west that slowly fades the scorching heat in Maharashtra’s Bhandardara region in Ahmednagar district. Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range, this area is lush green. As night falls, the trees in the valley are illuminated, as if adorned with fairy lights. These “fairy lights” are, in fact, bioluminescent insects – fireflies.

The end of May and the beginning of June is typically mating season for this species. During this time, fireflies procreate, creating a dazzling show of lights. As the monsoon settles in and showers become more regular, the firefly population slowly fades.

However, the last few years have seen a drastic change. The locals of the Bhandardara-Ghatghar region and environmental experts say they are worried about the survival of the species.

They have observed that the growing influx of tourists and the changing climate are adversely impacting the fireflies. Locals worry that this will impact the population of fireflies.

Between May 25 and June 15, which coincides with the mating season of the fireflies, the region is host to a “Fireflies Festival” as part of which private tour operators and trekking companies bring in tourists for organised camps and sightseeing.

These festivals also take place...

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