The dense forests of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) in the Western Ghats are known for the rare phenomenon of synchronous lighting by mega congregations of fireflies every year. Now, a year-long study by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has identified that at least eight species of fireflies light up these forests with their bioluminescence.
The species richness of fireflies in the ATR came to light when the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur, carried out the study at 10 locations in Manambolly, Pollachi and Ulandy forest ranges of ATR, covering dense forests and agroecosystems close to protected areas. The project was sanctioned under the Annual Plan of Operations 2023-24 and researcher K. Ragavendran conducted the study from April 2024 to March 2025.
