Mon Aug 25 18:49:10 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, following a news-style summary:
**Summary of the Text:**
A year-long study by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) has identified eight different species of fireflies that create the annual synchronous lighting displays. This is the first systematic study of fireflies in the region to use genetic analysis for species confirmation. The study also investigated the impact of light pollution and pesticide use on firefly populations, revealing a local awareness of the decline in fireflies and their sensitivity to light.
**News Article:**
**Rare Firefly Species Discovered in Indian Tiger Reserve; Study Highlights Light Pollution Threat**
**COIMBATORE, August 26, 2025** – The Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in the Western Ghats, known for its breathtaking annual displays of synchronously flashing fireflies, is now confirmed to be home to at least eight different firefly species, according to a new study by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. This groundbreaking research, the first systematic study of fireflies in the region using genetic analysis, sheds light on the biodiversity of the ATR and the growing threat of light pollution.
The study, conducted by the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur, surveyed ten locations within the Manambolly, Pollachi, and Ulandy forest ranges of the ATR between April 2024 and March 2025. Researchers identified eight species: *Abscondita perplexa*, *Abscondita terminalis*, *Asymmetricata humeralis*, three distinct *Curtos* species, *Lamprigera* sp., and *Pyrocoelia* sp.
“We used DNA barcoding for all eight species,” explained M. Gabriel Paulraj, Project Scientist at AIWC. “The sequences have been submitted to the GenBank, NCBI database.”
A. Udhayan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of AIWC, emphasized the significance of the study. “This is the first systematic study on fireflies in the State, where genetic analysis was carried out to confirm different species. This will serve as a benchmark for future studies and analysis on the distribution of firefly species.”
The research also highlighted the detrimental impact of light pollution on these bioluminescent insects. Phototactic movement behavior study showed that Abscondita perplexa preferred darkness and avoided blue, green, yellow, orange, pink and red colours. White light was neither preferred nor avoided.
Furthermore, a survey of local residents revealed that 97% are aware of fireflies and attribute their declining populations primarily to pesticide use and water pollution.
Mr. Udhayan stressed the urgent need to minimize light pollution around forests. “Not only fireflies, [but the] natural behaviour and activities of animals also get affected by light. Fireflies can be an indicator species to show how light pollution affects wildlife.”
The study underscores the importance of habitat conservation and responsible environmental practices to protect the unique biodiversity of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and its enchanting firefly populations. Further research is planned to monitor firefly populations and implement strategies to mitigate the threats they face.
First Piper 