Fireflies
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the fireflies’ population in Mexico City.
Thanks to conservation efforts in the forests and reforestation of the Protected Natural Areas in Mexico City, the return of fireflies has been recorded in two points of the city. Although fireflies are still being studied to assess the feasibility of conducting tours in these points to the south and north of the city.
The Ministry of Environment (Sedema) of Mexico City initiated a study to determine whether it is viable to conduct sighting tours in the Tlalpan Forest and the Sierra de Guadalupe.
Fireflies in Chapultepec
One of the privileged places hosting this spectacle is our beautiful Chapultepec Forest, which lights up at night in the first and third sections.
These little creatures can be observed in areas with high humidity concentration and low light pollution in the forest.
Few know and are aware of how fortunate we are to be able to experience this kind of show without having to leave Mexico City.
It’s essential that we take care of Chapultepec Forest and also protect the fireflies in order to continue enjoying this magical nature show.
Among the recommendations to care for these creatures are the following:
– Do not invade their space
– Do not use external lights like camera flashes or cell phones
– Avoid using repellents and pesticides in the area
Fireflies in Tlalpan Forest
This study began in March 2021 and involves studying the ground fauna in the locations where the presence of fireflies was recorded. This will allow understanding the other species that these luminous insects interact with. The second stage will take place during the rainy season, from July to September, during which a population census will be conducted to identify the species present in the area.
The presence of fireflies in Tlalpan Forest indicates good conservation status and humidity in the forest. This study will determine whether conducting sighting tours of these fireflies is feasible. Therefore, it’s important not to disturb the soil where the larvae are found and reduce the use of artificial lights to avoid interfering with their mating.
Wooden fences have been placed in the Protected Natural Area of Tlalpan Forest to prevent passage in green areas, as visitor pathways have led to soil compaction, affecting the larvae and eggs of these insects.
Through a monitoring project implemented a few months ago, identification of the flora and fauna in Protected Natural Areas is being carried out to implement conservation actions for the found species. In this case, fireflies and the long-nosed bat.
Although some people are already conducting tours, they are not yet public. Conservation needs to be ensured first, along with actions to increase the firefly population and protect their habitat, including reforestation and the introduction of growth-favoring plants. Isolating the areas where they are found is also important to allow their reproduction.
Fireflies in Sierra de Guadalupe
At the top of the Sierra de Guadalupe to the north of Mexico City and Coacalco, hundreds of fireflies have also arrived to illuminate part of this natural reserve in the Valley of Mexico. It has become an urban sanctuary for observing these luminous beetles, providing a unique spectacle of nature.
Tours are also organized in this area’s ecological reserve, with attending families adhering to safety and species preservation measures. Many tours are even led by environmental groups and personnel from the Ministry of Environment of the state of Mexico.
Night firefly tours, organized by the environmental group “Fraternidad Naturista Ecologista de la Sierra de Guadalupe Mahatma Gandhi” (Franature), start from 7:00 PM.
Although it’s true that witnessing these incredible species is one of the best nature shows, it’s still not recommended to conduct tours until the fireflies have proliferated in these city areas.
