Fireflies’ ecotourism and conservation in Klias and Weston

• Main Author: Siti Rozziana Jeperi
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: QL461-599.82 Insects
• Online Access: https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/41518/1/24%20PAGES.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/41518/2/FULLTEXT.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/41518/

Fireflies from the genus Pteroptyx had drawn a lot of attention from human beings due to their congregating behaviour, thus provides local communities with a lucrative business opportunity. The most commonly known firefly hotspot in East Malaysia is Klias and Weston, Beaufort Sabah. However, it is believed that the adjacent community might pose a threat of encroachment to the Klias and Weston, where mangrove forests are located. To restore this industry's sustainability in Klias and Weston, this research is separated into three parts; part one investigated the impact of land-use change on native firefly habitat by applying remote sensing technique. Part two determined the effect of some abiotic factors on the present firefly habitat. In contrast, part three involved assessing Klias and Weston stakeholders' exposure to the importance of fireflies and wetland ecosystems and the extent to which they are keen to conserve the firefly populations. Only two water quality tests, pH and dissolved oxygen from 12 parameters tested showed negative results indicate a low pH (acidic) and the low dissolved oxygen (hypoxic) of the river water. For land use changes, 30 years of aerial view shows a reduction and anthropological disturbance towards firefly habitat, consequently requiring constant monitoring and legal enforcement on appropriate land-use development. A total of 423 respondents comprised of the local community and tourist has been surveyed and analysed with Leximancer tools. Likewise, we could develop a more thorough understanding of the relations between the stakeholders and the firefly ecosystem. Based on the findings, 84.4% of them are willing to protect the future generation's fireflies. Meanwhile, 66.2% volunteered to participate in an education program on firefly conservation. Concerning the importance of village development instead of firefly conservation, 40.7% stated that both are important. Meanwhile, spider web analysis shows that locals lack knowledge of firefly ecology and biology. Most of the respondents were less likely to value the importance of fireflies in the ecosystem. Therefore, more public awareness, tourism and environmental education should be allocated. Lastly, the authority should develop a blueprint for firefly conservation to help a focus preservation at the location with the highest need to control the rate of firefly habitat loss due to development, a robust legal system, earlier exposure towards environmental education, well-planned development implementation and long-term monitoring program to strengthen efforts in conserving firefly in Sabah. The long-term security and enhancement in perpetuity biodiversity are essentials to ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment for future generations.