Dimming the glow of firefly festivals in Maharashtra

Each year, before the monsoons in Maharashtra, tourists gather in forests at night, to witness the fascinating illumination of fireflies that light up for mating.
A firefly on the road after a pre-monsoon shower in Radhanagari.
A group of tourists trying to photograph fireflies next to a road in Radhanagari, Kolhapur.
Radhanagari forests in Kolhapur provide habitat to the Indian bison. The forests are also a spot for firefly sightings and tourism. The firefly festival in 2022 was cancelled after complaints of threats to the firefly population.
Fireflies around roadside vegetation in Radhanagari forests. Using a chemical reaction, males are able to produce their own light, known as bioluminescence, which is used to attract females for mating.

Each year, before the monsoons in Maharashtra, tourists gather in forests at night, to witness the fascinating illumination of fireflies that light up for mating.
Environmentalists have opposed such festivals, citing harm to fireflies during the mating season and disruption of the habitat.
Festival organisers are open to following guidelines but suggest that this ecotourism model could in turn benefit the village economy and encourage forest conservation.
Research indicates that the firefly population in India is decreasing. However, the unique behaviour of fireflies and their illumination patterns along with a short lifespan, make these insects difficult to study.

Publisher:

Mongabay

Date Published:

1 July 2022

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