Don’t forget to protect fireflies while “shooting fireflies”! Avoid using flashlights and don’t approach their habitats.

▲ While enjoying and photographing fireflies, never forget to protect the fireflies and their habitats. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau)

Travel Center / Taipei Report

In early summer, the whole of Taiwan enters the season of fluttering fireflies, and this year, the fireflies have started glowing earlier than usual. Various regions have been swept up in a wave of “firefly mania,” and many excited people often try to capture the sight of fireflies with their camera shutters during firefly-watching.

The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau reminds the public to avoid using lighting devices such as flashlights when watching fireflies. If it is necessary to use a flashlight to illuminate the path, please cover the light source with dark-colored cellophane in advance to reduce light pollution and avoid disturbing the fireflies. For those who enjoy photographing fireflies,never turn on your flashwhen taking photos. Camera tripods and other equipment should be carefully placed. Whether taking photos or watching fireflies, do not get close to firefly habitats or trample on grass and damage vegetation, and never attempt to capture the perfect shot by trapping or harming fireflies. Additionally, it is recommended to wear light, comfortable, and natural-colored long-sleeved clothing and pants to avoid mosquito bites while watching fireflies.

The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau also stated that this “Finding Early Summer Christmas Trees” Firefly Feast event aims primarily to promote education through the conservation concepts of firefly-watching and firefly protection. The event has announced 22 recommended firefly-watching spots, where professional volunteers provide guided tours to introduce ecological knowledge about fireflies. They also advocate against capturing fireflies or other wildlife during firefly-watching and emphasize preserving the natural landscape. By providing the public with accurate ecological information, they hope to inspire greater concern for the environment.

(There will also be a guided tour event at Qu-Chi Elementary School in Xindian this Saturday. For details, please visit the official website of the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau.)