Researchers Work to Preserve Fireflies

The Korea Forest Service is increasing its efforts to preserve fireflies in Jeju Island.

It has started a research project to create a better habitat for the insects.

The Unmunsan firefly is a species that is only found in Korea.

Its name comes from the fact that it was originally found in the Unmunsan Mountain in North Gyeongsang Province.

Its mating period is between late June and early July, and so this is when the fireflies light up various regions.

Fireflies are very sensitive to their environment and need particular conditions to live.

They especially thrive in Cheongsu Gotjawal forest on Jeju Island, where they also receive special protection.

Unfortunately, due to climate change, the average temperature of Jeju Island is decreasing, and torrential rains have become more frequent.

These changes are threatening the habitat of the fireflies.

Moreover, city lights are directly affecting the firefly population.

This is because the strong artificial lights overwhelm the insects glow, and this reduces their chances to mate.

Researchers at Jeju Island are currently examining the living conditions of the Unmunsan fireflies.

They are observing the hatching process and conducting experiments with the larvae in the forest.

Through their research, they hope to find ways to provide a better environment to preserve the fireflies. 

 

• mating  ˈmeɪtɪŋ  (동물의) 짝짓기[교미]  thrive θraɪv  번창하다, 잘 자라다 (=flourish)    threaten  ˈθretn  협박[위협]하다, 위태롭게 하다, 위협하다 (=endanger, put at risk)

• torrential təˈrenʃl  양동이로 들이붓듯이[앞이 안 보이게] 내리는   torrent   |tɔːrənt  마구 쏟아짐[퍼부음], 빗발침 (=deluge) , 급류  population  |pɑːpju│leɪʃn  인구, (모든) 주민

• overwhelm  |oʊvər│welm  (격한 감정이) 휩싸다[압도하다] (=overcome) ,  제압하다 (=overpower)  hatch  hætʃ  부화하다 / (배항공기의) 화물 출입구

• larva  ˈlɑːrvə   유충, 애벌레  larvae  복수형