It seems that stories on the next endangered species is becoming all too common, and all the time it’s down to us humans.
The rise in toxic pesticides is a contributing factor, which is something we can all take responsibility for.
Earlier this year, the United Nations released an alarming report warning that one million species are at risk of extinction because of humans.
The latest creature to get added to this list is the beautiful firefly.
Millions of Americans, especially those in rural America, have grown up taking delight in seeing these iridescent creatures in the night sky.
Native to areas with temperate and tropical climates, there are over 2,000 species of this magical insect which produce yellow, green, or pale red from their abdomen to attract mates or prey.
Yet they are in decline and it’s our fault.
Toxic pesticides and an increase in carbon emissions is not just putting the survival of fireflies in jeopardy but many other insects. This puts the entire food chain at risk affecting so many other species.
“By spraying toxic pesticides, polluting our air and water, degrading the landscape, and emitting ever more carbon, we’ve essentially captured nature in a big glass Mason jar, screwed the lid tight, and neglected to punch holes in the top,” EcoWatch reports.
According to Green and Growing, the loss of fireflies would have a devastating effect on the detection of serious illnesses.
Why are fireflies disappearing?
“By injecting chemicals found in a firefly’s tail into human cells, researchers can detect diseases like cancer and muscular dystrophy,” EcoWatch reports.
As far back as 2010 the Selangor Declaration warned that the loss of fireflies is a cause for concern globally.
“Fireflies are indicators of the health of the environment and are declining across the world as a result of degradation and loss of suitable habitat, pollution of river systems, increased use of pesticides in agro-ecosystems and increased light pollution in areas of human habitation,” the declaration said.
But why are fireflies disappearing?
The truth is that nobody knows for sure. But researchers are blaming two factors: development and light pollution.
[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09nYhN9uF1M” /]
If we are to save these magical insects so our children and grandchildren can enjoy them for years to come, we need to act now and take steps to help fight climate change.
Find out more in the clip above and please share if you too are passionate about saving our beautiful wildlife.
