Effects of conservation management of mangroves on fireflies (Pteroptyx spp.

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Conservation and Management of fireflies (Pteroptyx spp.)
Numerous reports have been received that the population of estuarine fireflies
(Pteroptyx spp.) have been declining. Therefore, identifying some practical and
actionable solutions to enhance the conservation of this notable species will help
mitigate their lowering population. [1-2]
With the consolidated information of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Firefly
Specialist Group during their global survey, it was identified that habitat loss, light
pollution, and pesticide use are the three most common causes of the declining
population of fireflies (see Table 1). According to De Cock [1], firefly habitat has been
degraded as a result of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural intensification. As
for light pollution, it interferes with the reproductive behavior of fireflies as well as their
population consonance. Pesticides can also have an indirect effect on fireflies by
limiting the availability or increasing the toxicity of their larval food. Additional threats
such as firefly tourism which can directly harm firefly habitat by building infrastructures,
and climate change which may kill off local population of fireflies due to the intense
effect of drought. [1]
Additionally, according to Gustafsson et al. [2], as a result of the threats on Pteroptyx
spp, they have been classified and listed as threatened under the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Table 1. Global threat scores on factors that could affect the firefly population.

Average scores across the continent (n=8). Each threat posed to firefly population is
ranked from highest (5) to lowest (0) by respondents. [1]
Using the existing knowledge about the ecology and behavior of fireflies, we can
anticipate what traits and behaviors can make certain firefly species vulnerable to
specific stressors [6]. Cheng et al [2] came up with a three-pronged approach for
conserving the firefly population (see figure 2). These are (1) The biological and
ecological needs of   Proptyx spp. as well as its habitat should be taken into account
and better understood; (2) to develop a protection program, which would involve federal
legislation or laws that would protect Pteroptyx spp. as well as taking into account the
various environmental issues that affect river basins and estuaries; and lastly to finding
a balance between the needed conservation of fireflies and the resource utilization and
economic activities in the area [2].

Figure 1. Areas of concern that is needed to be taken into account in developing a

conservation plan for the firefly population. [2]
In addressing the first approach, one method of conserving firefly species and sites at
risk is to invest in monitoring studies that can give long-term data on trends in
abundance and diversity for at-risk firefly species and sites. The second