July 5 marked World Firefly Day. As night falls, fireflies light up the valley wetlands of Danxia Mountain in Shaoguan. Highly sensitive to water quality, light and noise, fireflies are widely regarded as indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Their growing numbers at Danxia Mountain reflect the dedication of more than 50 volunteers who have spent the past two years monitoring and protecting the fireflies' habitat.
(Photo: Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province)
Firefly conservation at Danxia Mountain began in the summer of 2024. At the time, little was known about the area's firefly population, with no baseline survey or long-term monitoring data available. A group of 25 nature enthusiasts formed the first volunteer monitoring team, establishing four fixed survey sites and carrying out 44 field surveys over the following year. They spent countless hours observing, photographing, and documenting fireflies in the field.
(Photo: Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province)
The team has since grown to more than 50 volunteers, contributing over 1,500 hours of service. As of July 2026, researchers have documented 14 firefly species at Danxia Mountain, though the area is estimated to be home to around 25 species. The surveys have also produced several important scientific findings, including the first confirmed record of Luciola trilucida in Guangdong Province. Several other potentially new species are still undergoing taxonomic identification.
Luciola trilucida (Photo: Shaoguan Travel)
Beyond field monitoring, volunteers have organized science exhibitions at the Danxia Mountain Museum and introduced local students to firefly conservation through educational activities. They also encourage visitors to watch the fireflies responsibly by keeping quiet, avoiding flash photography, refraining from catching fireflies, and staying off sensitive vegetation.
Author | He Fengyu
