Lampshades Installed along Tiger Mountain Creek to Protect Fireflies
Located on the border between Nangang and Xinyi districts, the environment along the Shishoushan mountain range creates a great habitat for firefly population. This is especially true for the sloped areas along Hushan (Tiger Mountain) Creek.
However, the native population of black-winged firefly (Luciola Cerata) has been adversely affected by the bright street lights in the vicinity. To counter the threat to the indigenous firefly population, the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) devised plans to install lampshades, seeking to lessen the impact upon the natural habitat of these glowing insects.
Chief Chu of GEO’s Mud/Rockslide Control Section pointed out that the most important task is to recreate the natural landscape of the past where firefly glitters dominate the night. To achieve this objective, the agency is working on adjusting the street light to minimize the disruption of artificial lighting. Lampshades has been installed on a number of street lights along both Hushan Creek and local roads to weaken illumination. After communicating with NGOs and local borough chiefs, the agency has decided to install the device on 19 street lights located in 3 areas including the Huxiao Pavilion platform, Hushan Ecological Trail, and Hushan Mountainside Trail.
Another characteristic of the Hushan Creek Trail is the presence of aquatic firefly larvae and their prey – snails and other aquatic insects. These animals are becoming less and less common in areas near heavily-urbanized cities, as threat like wastewater and pesticides have deadly impact upon fireflies and organisms on their food chain. The agency encourages everyone to play an active role in protecting our natural environment by maintaining a clean and ecological habitat for these fireflies.
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