The unique "Shenmu Firefly" in Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort Park, Nantou County, because the light body does not flicker and is continuous, it presents a firefly ribbon-like scene, which is very special.

(Provided by Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort Park)

[Reporter Xie Jieyu/Report from Nantou] The lack of rain and drought has affected the recovery of all things, including fireflies. Among them, the unique "Shenmu Firefly" firefly viewing activity in Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort Park was forced to end early because the number was not as expected.

However, the "Lugu Township Firefly Season" promoted by the Lugu Township Office will still start on April 1 as usual, and will be held for a total of 10 sessions until April 30. Those who are interested in participating can register on the official website of the office.

Changjiang Huazhang, director of the Natural Education Center of Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort Park, pointed out that there are currently more than 60 species of fireflies in Taiwan. Among them, Shanlinxi Park has successfully restored the habitat of fireflies in recent years under the measures of strictly prohibiting pesticides and reducing light pollution. A rare species named "Shenmu Ying" was born, and the biggest difference from ordinary fireflies is that Shenmu Ying "continuously glows but does not flicker", so that when it shuttles back and forth between the forest and the grass, it seems to be wearing a yellow-green fluorescent ribbon. People are amazed.

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Since the "Shenmu Ying" can only be seen in the park during February and March, Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort Park launched a firefly viewing activity on February 25. Unexpectedly, due to the unresolved drought, "Shenmu Ying" The number of fireflies is getting worse and worse, and the park has to end the firefly viewing activity earlier on March 14. It only lasts for 18 days, which is about half of the time compared with the previous years, which often lasted more than 30 days.

According to the Lugu Township Office, Nantou County is one of the densest habitats for fireflies in Taiwan, and most of them are concentrated in the four firefly viewing areas of Zhulu, Sun Moon Lake, Aowanda, and Beigang River. However, since November last year, due to Due to the lack of rainfall and severe water shortage in mountainous areas, the ground surface is so hard that it is difficult for firefly pupae hidden in the ground to break out of the ground. In addition, food is also reduced, which affects the growth of fireflies and other dual factors. It may be difficult to see tens of thousands of fireflies dancing this year as in previous years. However, the "2023 Lugu Firefly Season" activities are still unaffected, and it is also the first to debut in other firefly viewing areas.

The firefly viewing spots arranged by the Lugu Township Office include Xitou, Qilintan, and Caizhuxi, etc., and the tour guide association in the township is appointed to provide guidance services, and they are all on Saturdays and Sundays, divided into April 1 , 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, and 30 days, and 10 echelons. The quota for Saturdays is 160 people, and the quota for Sundays is 120 people. At present, the public office has begun to accept online registration until the quota is full.

The "Shenmu Firefly" in Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort Park has been successfully restored. However, due to drought this year, the firefly viewing activity ended early.

(Provided by Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort Park)