Fireflies are indicators of environmental health, says expert at Kottigehara event

Kottigehara: Fireflies are important indicators of environmental health, and their disappearance is a sign that the overall ecosystem of a region is deteriorating, insect expert Dr. Avinash said.

He was speaking as a resource person at a discussion, interaction and firefly observation programme titled “Forest Stars – Fireflies” organised at the K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi Foundation in Kottigehara. The programme was jointly organised by the K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi Foundation and Mitra Environment and Wildlife Society.

Dr. Avinash said fireflies are highly sensitive insects and are gradually losing their existence due to excessive artificial lighting and light pollution. He noted that climate change is also disrupting their natural life cycle.

He explained that fireflies are among the few living organisms that possess the rare natural ability to produce their own light. However, their natural habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate.

According to him, excessive human interference in the name of development and tourism is affecting the breeding and survival of these insects. He said environmental scientists and insect experts must develop conservation strategies to prevent the decline of firefly populations globally and in ecologically sensitive regions such as the Western Ghats.

He stressed the need for legal measures to protect and restore firefly habitats. He also highlighted the importance of community participation and creating awareness among school and college students about the insect world to support long-term conservation efforts.

Writer and teacher Poornesh Mattavar, who also participated as a resource person, said fireflies are indicators of the health of the Western Ghats. A decline in their numbers reflects the deteriorating condition of the region's ecosystem.

He said the Western Ghats play a vital role as a habitat for insects, birds and many other living organisms, and increasing environmental degradation in the region is a matter of concern.

Writers Halemane Rajasekhar and Srinivas, Livestock Officer Naveen, Tejaswi Foundation Coordinator Nandish Bankenhalli, staff members Satish Taruve, Sangeetha Taruve and Sudheeth were present at the programme.

Students from Mudigere Horticulture College and nature enthusiasts from Ujire, Chikkamagaluru and Mudigere also attended the event.