There is a biodiversity alert in Mexico: fireflies are disappearing. The above raises alarm bells among environmentalists who ask for greater responsibility from the authorities and the population in their care. This is the situation:
Fireflies, protagonists of one of the most recognizable and magical natural spectacles, are going out. Scientists and environmental organizations warn that their populations are declining at a worrying rate, pressured by habitat loss, light pollution and the advance of human activities that alter their life cycles..
Why are fireflies in danger of extinction?
According to information released by the renowned ecological and environmental organization, Greenpeace, There are three main threats that have been identified by science as determining the decline of fireflies worldwide.:
- Habitat loss: deforestation, poorly planned urban or tourist expansion destroy the forests, wetlands and rural areas where they live and reproduce.
- Light pollution: Artificial lights at night interfere with their flash communication system, which affects their ability to reproduce.
- Pesticide use: These chemicals indiscriminately eliminate insects, including fireflies, and also affect their entire ecosystem.
In addition to direct threats, climate change aggravates this situation:
- Produces prolonged droughts, extreme temperatures and changes in water levelswhich affects the humidity habitats needed by the larval stages of fireflies.
- Lack of humidity can dry out their shelters, dehydrate the larvae and shorten their life expectancy..
This way, The combination of habitat degradation, plus light pollution, plus pesticides and climate, puts the entire biological cycle of these unique insects at risk..
What is the situation of fireflies in Mexico?
A UNAM investigation showed that Mexico is the second country in the world with the greatest diversity of fireflieswith around 301 identified species.
These species They are concentrated in three large areas of the country: the central region, the northwest and the Gulf-Caribbean area..
Given their number and the ecological role they play -as pest control and as bioindicators of environmental health-, It is urgent to protect their specific habitats.
Currently, although there is no precise number of fireflies left in the world, Scientific evidence suggests that its decline is increasing and accelerated; Therefore, it is of utmost importance to take action to protect the species.
Human beings are putting out the fireflies and they need us. To stop the situation, it is urgent to avoid deforestation, the use of pesticides and limit night lighting.
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OA