The disappearing glow of Junkiri

One of my fondest childhood memories is of the summer nights in Tadi, Chitwan, when the rice fields were alive with the mesmerizing glow of fireflies (Junkiri). Their blinking lights illuminated the darkness for miles, and we would chase them, trying to capture their beauty in small bottles. The simple joy of those nights filled us with energy and wonder. But when I returned to my old home, I found the fireflies gone, and the summer nights were no longer lit by their glow. I remember my grandmother’s stories of how the fireflies' lights made the frogs croak and summoned rainfall, adding magic to the night. Now, with their disappearance, I long for the wonder they once brought.

Often mistaken for flies or worms, fireflies belong to the Lampyridae family, making them relatives of ladybugs and dung beetles. While over 2,200 species are known worldwide, only three have been documented in Nepal: Luciola cruciata, the most common, Diaphanea marginellus, and Luciola ovalis, recently spotted at 2,000 meters in Kavre. Found in the plains and mid-mountain valleys during the monsoon season, fireflies serve as crucial indicators of ecosystem health, as they are highly sensitive to light pollution and environmental changes. Sadly, a general bias against insects and nocturnal species has hindered awareness and conservation efforts, even though fireflies play an essential ecological role. Protecting these unique creatures is vital to preserving the natural beauty and balance they bring to Nepal’s night skies. Their absence is not just a loss of magic, but a sign of a changing world that needs our attention.

Life cycle and special feature of fireflies

Fireflies undergo a fascinating life cycle, beginning as eggs laid by females underground. Both the eggs and larvae are capable of emitting a soft glow, similar to the light produced by adults. After hatching, the larvae spend one to two years underground, feeding on snails and slugs, before transforming into pupae. Once they emerge as adults, they have only 2-3 weeks to mate and lay eggs before their life cycle ends. One of their most remarkable features is their ability to produce light through bioluminescence, a chemical reaction in a special organ beneath their abdomen. This ‘cold light’ makes fireflies one of nature’s most efficient light sources.

Flashing activity of fireflies

Between June and April, male fireflies put on synchronized light displays as part of their courtship rituals, emitting unique patterns specific to their species to attract females. The glowing males, visible in the dark, are answered by the soft glow of the females, who respond when they find a suitable mate. These flashing patterns not only facilitate mate identification but also serve as a defense mechanism, warning predators that the firefly may be toxic or unpalatable. This dual role of attraction and deterrence makes the firefly's light display crucial for both survival and reproduction, turning the night into a mesmerizing stage for nature’s intricate dance.

Reason behind their decline

The decline of firefly populations can be traced to the growing shadows of modern life—light pollution and pesticide use. In the past, the nights were theirs to command, their soft glowing signals filling the air with magic. But now, the world is flooded with artificial light that disrupts the natural harmony of the night. Forests and shrubby habitats, once rich with the gentle flickers of fireflies, have been dimmed by the unyielding glow of city lights. This excess of light robs them of their ability to communicate, their flashing lights no longer able to pierce through the growing glare. Researchers estimate that this disruption has led to a 50 percent decline in their dazzling displays.

Adding to this darkness is the loss of their homes. Urbanization and agricultural expansion are encroaching on the fireflies’ delicate habitats, stripping away the places they once called home. Pesticides, too, have seeped into the soil, poisoning the very environment that fireflies need to survive and reproduce. The beautiful dance of light that once brightened the night is now fading into the distance, a bittersweet memory of a world that is slowly losing its glow.

Why conserve them?

Imagine summer nights without the soft, magical glow of fireflies, leaving the fields and forests strangely empty, devoid of the tiny lights that once filled us with wonder. Fireflies are more than just beautiful; they serve as nature’s messengers, signaling a healthy environment with clean water, balanced habitats, and minimal pollution. Without them, we lose more than their glow—they help control harmful pests through their larvae, reducing the need for chemical pesticides, and they pollinate plants, maintaining biodiversity. Beyond their ecological importance, fireflies inspire art, stories, and joy, adding charm to summer nights and creating cherished memories. Losing fireflies is not just a loss of magic, but a reminder of what happens when we fail to protect the natural wonders that enrich our world.

To conserve fireflies, Nepal must prioritize the protection of its biodiversity. Before undertaking development or construction projects, thorough assessments of their impact on local ecosystems and wildlife are essential. Government initiatives should promote natural ecosystem fostering and integrate environmental considerations into development agendas. Additionally, the excessive use of artificial light threatens fireflies by disrupting their bioluminescent signals, which are crucial for attracting mates. To mitigate this, using amber-filtered LED bulbs instead of white LEDs can reduce light pollution, helping to protect firefly habitats. By combining these efforts, we can ensure that fireflies continue to light up our nights, preserving their magic for generations to come.

Lesson from other countries

Nepal can also take inspiration from other countries like Taiwan , home to around 65 firefly species. Taiwan has embraced these luminous insects, not just as symbols of biodiversity but as opportunities for education, conservation, and community growth. There, firefly exhibition centers stand as beacons of awareness, and firefly viewing tours during the mating season draw people from all walks of life to witness nature’s magic. Taiwan has not only conserved these delicate creatures but uplifted local communities through eco-friendly initiatives. These inspirations could be taken and implemented to bring sustainable tourism and livelihoods to rural communities, fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

Call for action

The fading glow of fireflies in Nepal is a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect our natural heritage. These enchanting creatures are more than symbols of beauty; they are vital to ecosystems and our cultural identity. By conserving their habitats and raising awareness, we can ensure fireflies continue to light up our nights and inspire wonder for generations to come.

This is a call to action for communities, policymakers, and nature lovers alike—let us work together to protect fireflies, foster sustainable practices, and reignite our connection with nature. The time to act is now, before their light dims forever.