Named after the Siraya people, endangered fireflies make an appearance

The Siraya National Scenic Area covers the eastern half of Tainan and Dapu Township in Chiayi, making it the second-largest national scenic area in Taiwan. The once-presumed extinct protected species of firefly in the Tainan area—the yellow-chested black-winged firefly—has now re-emerged, and two new species scientifically discovered have also been found, indicating the scenic area still boasts abundant ecological resources. These new species will be named using "Sirayanus." 　

This year, to promote rural tourism, the scenic area administration conducted a firefly resource survey, discovering 31 species of fireflies over four months. Among them, eight species had never been recorded before, and two were new scientific discoveries, showcasing remarkable species diversity. The new species belong to the genus Luciola (double-bristled fireflies), and when published in journals, they will also be named using "Sirayanus." In addition, the protected yellow-chested black-winged firefly has reappeared in the Tainan area. Over recent years, construction projects destroyed aquatic environments, once driving this species out of the region. Its reappearance in the scenic area is thrilling news. The scenic area administration also stated that future engineering plans will aim to avoid impacting the survival of protected species.

Chen Yuhong, director of the scenic area administration, said that in an area like Siraya, where agriculture and settlements are densely concentrated, it is not easy to maintain a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature while also balancing local characteristics and tourism development. Only when community residents share a common understanding can ecotourism be sustainably developed. This year’s firefly project includes community-based firefly-watching guidance, training sessions, and a firefly guidebook to help locals better understand firefly resources. The hope is to eventually treat fireflies as a regional treasure, integrating them with local culture to promote ecotourism.