Dimming the glow of firefly festivals in Maharashtra

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.
  • 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

Link to the Story:

Read More https://india.mongabay.com/2022/07/dimming-the-glow-of-firefly-festivals-in-maharashtra/