Malaysia: Flood project threatens Penang fireflies

New Straits Times 28 Sep 15;

GEORGE TOWN: Air Hitam Dalam in Sungai Dua and Sungai Prai, both on mainland Penang, used to be firefly colonies.

That was more than 10 years ago. Today, the sites no longer draw fireflies.

The inability of berembang trees to grow in Air Hitam Dalam and pollution in Sungai Prai from nearby factories have been blamed for the firefly population’s demise.

The trees, scientifically known as Sonneratia caseolaris, are important to the creatures’ existence.

Malaysian Nature Society Penang branch adviser D. Kanda Kumar said the only remaining site for firefly watchers was Sungai Kerian in Nibong Tebal.

“There has yet to be much development and pollution in that part of town. The berembang trees, coupled with the mangrove peat swamp along the coast, serve as a natural habitat for fireflies.”

Nevertheless, the site is under threat by a flood-mitigation project in Nibong Tebal.

No one knows how many fireflies live in the berembang trees along Sungai Kerian, as official studies have yet to be carried out.

Tan Chin Hock, proprietor of tour operator Amazing Nibong Tebal, who took the New Straits Times on a visit to the site recently, said there were more than 10,000 fireflies in the area.

He said there were more fireflies downstream compared with upstream, as clearing work for the flood-mitigation project began there.

The 8km river flows along Kampung Sangland (upstream) to Tanjung Berembang (downstream). The flood-mitigation project is 30m from the riverbank.

“This (firefly colony in Sungai Kerian) is a heritage in itself, and as such, we are trying our best to protect it from harm.

“We hope the project will not affect the firefly colony. If it does, this part of our heritage may be gone forever.”

Tan, who is involved in the Penang Ecotourism Preservation Association, appealed to the state Irrigation and Drainage Department to allow berembang trees to be grown on land near the jetty.

“It is not something easy to do, but we have managed to do it.

“We need a bigger place for the purpose. I hope the department will allow us to use its land for the said purpose.

“That way, we can attract more fireflies to our shores.”