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Barnama
2 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Rare Firefly Species Discovered In Bukit Kiara Forest Enclave
D iscovering something rare is exciting but it becomes truly memorable when it happens unexpectedly. That was exactly the case for Tan Wei Jack, 24, a research assistant and master's student in environmental science at Monash University Malaysia. He never imagined that a routine firefly survey at Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara here on Oct 23 last year, would lead to the unintentional 'rediscovery' of a rare species last seen in Malaysia a century ago. His discovery – Pteroptyx gombakia (P. gombakia) or the Gombak bent-winged firefly – turned out to be the third known specimen of this particular species, and marked the ninth known firefly species identified in the Bukit Kiara urban forest, Malaysia's first federal park which is managed by the National Landscape Department. P. gombakia was officially named in 2015 by entomologist Lesly Ballantyne at the Natural History Museum in London, based on the first specimen of the species collected in 1921 from the area now known as Genting Sempah in Gombak, Selangor. Tan said the firefly specimen he collected last October was initially assumed to be of a species from the genus Colophotia, which is commonly found in Bukit Kiara. But later when he examined it closely on Jan 9, it looked different. 'So I took some photos through the microscope and sent them to my academic supervisor Dr Wan Faridah (Akmal Jusoh). After discussions, we found out it was actually a bent-winged P. gombakia (from a different genus),' he told Bernama recently. Tan said he, together with Dr Wan Faridah – a firefly taxonomist and senior lecturer in Biodiversity and Conservation at Monash University Malaysia – returned to Bukit Kiara to do more research. 'Whenever we saw their flashing lights (usually at twilight), we would catch the fireflies, observe their features, record their species and then release them,' he said. MANGROVE SPECIES According to Wan Faridah, who is also the co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Firefly Specialist Group, P. gombakia belongs to the genus Pteroptyx, which is usually found in mangrove habitats and known for its synchronous flashing displays in large congregations. She added there is a group of Pteroptyx called 'bent-winged' fireflies, named after their folded wings, which are also mostly found in mangroves. She said she was surprised when Tan showed her the specimen collected from the Bukit Kiara urban forest as it was 'the first bent-winged Pteroptyx ever found outside of mangroves'. 'This suggests that the species can actually survive outside that ecosystem,' she told Bernama. Wan Faridah also said she did not realise Tan's specimen was the bent-winged Pteroptyx until she examined its microscopic images. 'The difference (between P. gombakia and the more common Colophotia) was spotted in the (P. gombakia) firefly's light-producing organ called the 'lantern', which is located in the insect's abdomen,' she said. She explained both P. gombakia and Colophotia have bipartite light organs, meaning the structure is divided into two distinct sections. However, P. gombakia lacks a median carina, a ridge that separates the organ into two halves. 'Indeed, it's truly magical we have this rare group of fireflies living in the heart of our city,' she said. She also said out of the 14 known bent-winged Pteroptyx species, nine are found in mangrove ecosystems. The habitats of the remaining species, including P. gombakia, remain unclear due to a lack of ecological data. TYPES OF FIREFLIES Fireflies belong to Lampyridae, a family of insects within the Coleoptera order, which includes bioluminescent beetles. Wan Faridah said globally, more than 2,600 firefly species have been identified. In Malaysia, over 60 species have been documented so far, with at least 10 of them found in mangrove swamps. She said one of the main characteristics distinguishing territorial fireflies from mangrove forest fireflies is their behaviour: the former typically fly alone while the latter – also known as congregating fireflies – gather and display their light in groups. Of the nine Pteroptyx species found in mangrove forests, four have been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 'Usually, two to three species can be found congregating in a single mangrove tree, and these insects require suitable water levels and temperatures to ensure the survival of their species,' she said. Wan Faridah noted that most fireflies found flying in both mangrove and terrestrial habitats are males while some females are flightless, remaining on the ground while the males fly and use light signals to locate and attract them. While congregating fireflies in mangrove swamps are well-known as ecotourism attractions in Malaysia, Wan Faridah said solitary fireflies also exist in other forest types. The Bukit Kiara urban forest, for instance, is now home to nine firefly species, including Lamprigera – the world's largest female firefly species – and the latest discovery P. gombakia. EXTINCTION Wan Faridah said unlike most Pteroptyx species, the bent-winged firefly species recently discovered in Bukit Kiara does not appear to congregate in large numbers. 'We don't have enough data about this species and we still have many unanswered questions. 'What worries us is that we may have discovered a species (P. gombakia) which is on the brink of extinction. So currently, we are racing against time to find the answers,' she said. According to Wan Faridah, threats to P. gombakia include habitat loss due to urban development and artificial lighting at night, which causes light pollution and disrupts the flashing signals fireflies use to communicate with each other. 'Every rediscovered firefly species is evidence that extinction is possible but it can still be prevented if we act. 'If more people become aware of these endangered fireflies, perhaps more efforts will be made to protect their habitats,' she said. Wan Faridah also said despite the potential of fireflies as ecotourism assets, one of the main challenges for researchers in Malaysia is the lack of a proper species inventory and natural history collection, which would serve as a valuable archive of insect diversity. She said research on fireflies in Malaysia is limited, making conservation efforts more difficult. 'I had no intention of becoming an entomologist until I discovered kelip-kelip (fireflies) in 2006 during a final year project field trip to Kampung Sepetang, Perak, when I was an environmental science undergraduate at Universiti Putra Malaysia. 'I became curious and told my supervisor I wanted to study fireflies… but due to the lack of local studies (on fireflies), I had to start from scratch – building my own database by collecting species across Malaysia,' she said, adding her research focuses not only on biodiversity but also on the natural heritage of fireflies. She also pointed out that due to colonial-era practices, many specimens originally from Malaysia are now stored in foreign institutions. 'Due to the lack of facilities in Malaysia, as part of my research projects, I need to travel to countries like the Netherlands, France and England to visit their natural history museums to compare reference specimens of fireflies that were collected during the colonial era,' she said. She added that the process of recognising and verifying new firefly discoveries takes at least two years, and requires both funding and facilities. 'In Malaysia, very few firefly studies have been carried out. Even when discoveries are made, it is difficult for us to confirm whether they are new or just duplicates of existing species,' she said. Wan Faridah also hopes to build an extensive species database and discover new species of fireflies. 'I want to reconstruct the data so we can have a comprehensive list of what species we actually have here in Malaysia. 'My goal is to develop a national species inventory so that future generations who want to study fireflies can refer to it, so we can continue the legacy of protecting Malaysia's firefly biodiversity,' she said.
Economic Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Billion-dollar catch: India has the potential to create an IPL out of aquaculture
iStock Despite the opening up of foreign direct investment (FDI) in aquaculture, this avenue remains unexploited by established aquaculture and mariculture companies. India's seafood exports at current prices (in value terms) grew by 67.75% to $7.38 billion in 2023-24 from $5 billion in 2013-14. During the same period, the export of frozen shrimps, which are India's flagship seafood product, alone increased by 65.57%—rising from $3.2 billion to $4.88 billion—while the exports of other seafood items together grew just 38%—from $1.8 billion in 2013-14 to $2.5 billion in data suggest that frozen shrimps will remain the flagship product of India's seafood exports for the foreseeable future. The key component that enables quick supply response to market demand is inventory, along with the ability to step up production on short notice. Indian farmed production of P. vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) increased from 1731 tonnes in 2009-10 to 815,745 tonnes in 2021-22. In contrast, the production of farmed P. monodon (black tiger shrimp) declined from 95,919 tonnes to 27,616 tonnes during the same period. This implies that around 8.5 lakh tonnes were available for the market in 2021-22. According to data from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), India exported 7.28 lakh tonnes of shrimp in 2021-22 and 7.16 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. Assuming 7 lakh tonnes are exported annually, the domestic market is left with 1 lakh tonne of farmed shrimp for local consumption. It is only the low-count shrimp that remains behind, serving the domestic market. Data also indicates that there has not been any notable increase in production in recent years that could help diversify the export enhancements happen through horizontal expansion in areas where suitably identified land is available. The area under P. monodon has declined to 27,616 per hectare (ha) in 2021-22 from 95,919 ha in 2009-10, while the area under P. vannamei increased to 815,745 ha in 2020-21 from 1,731 ha in 2009-10. In 2020-21, the yield of P. mondon was 0.47 tonnes per ha, while the yield of P. vannamei was 7.52 tonnes per ha. A cursory examination of the data shows that there has not been a remarkable expansion in either area or yield in the recent enhancements in shrimp can happen through the widespread adoption of modern technologies like Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) and Biofloc. It is distressing that Biofloc has not been extensively adopted despite its cost advantage compared to pond culture. Government initiatives like the Prime Minister Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PMMKSSY) could take the lead in training entrepreneurs at various levels in advanced production technologies and financial products through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and PPP the opening up of foreign direct investment (FDI) in aquaculture, this avenue remains unexploited by established aquaculture and mariculture companies across the world. FDI in a sensitive sector, like aquaculture, can happen when the investment climate is favourable. Besides the investment climate, having a critical mass of technically competent personnel to service the sector is essential. The late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs stated that it is the availability of this mass of skilled workers that makes China an MFN (most favoured nation) for investments in any sector. There is an urgent need to rewire fisheries education to meet the requirements and demands of the fisheries and aquaculture production sector. It is heartening to note that 35,000-40,000 tonnes of shrimp are currently being exported to the US market following a pause in the 26% reciprocal tariffs levied by the US. However, it is important for the Indian shrimp sector to explore new opportunities by investing in shrimp farming in Central American countries. This would allow them to benefit from the lower US tariffs and gain a cost advantage in logistics. The increase in the US tariff on Ecuadorian seafood has resulted in a decline, while Chinese seafood exporters to the US are facing significant challenges, benefiting select Southeast Asian countries in the medium term for value-added shrimp and tilapia urban and peri-urban markets are indeed responding to farmed shrimp consumption and must be necessarily serviced. However, it is essential to maintain a competitive edge in the export market by increasing market diversification and penetration, diversifying product composition, and attracting foreign investments for production to ensure a steady influx of foreign exchange. Corporate business houses must be invited and encouraged to take a long look at the potential of aquaculture, take initiative and lead the way. India has the potential to create an IPL out of aquaculture. Play it now. Dr M Krishnan is former Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai; and Dr Badri Narayanan Goplakrishnan is a Visiting Senior Fellow at CSEP, New Delhi. Views are personal. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
On SC's Waqf hearing eve, DMK says 95% stakeholders before JPC was against amendments
The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu on Sunday (May 4, 2025) raised doubts over the impartiality of the Joint Parliamentary Committee proceedings on Waqf amendments, hinting that communal banners and interests may have got the upper hand during deliberations on the Bill. 'During the course of deliberations, approximately 95% of the stakeholders who appeared before the committee expressed strong opposition to the Bill. The remaining 5% who supported the Bill did so, representing communal interests or under communal banners, thereby raising concerns about the representativeness and impartiality of the process,' a rejoinder affidavit filed by the DMK, represented by senior advocate P. Wilson and advocates Richardson Wilson, Apoorv Malhotra, Lokesh Krishna and Anuradha Arputham, said. The DMK said that merely because the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, had been enacted, it wasn't exempted from constitutional review, especially if it would result in manifesting injustice and deprivation of fundamental rights of persons based on their religious identity. Also read | Amendments will cripple Waqf Boards and their autonomy, says T.N. CM Stalin A Special Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna will consider the question of interim stay of the Act on May 5. The party said that the continuation of the Act, even for a limited period, would permanently alter legal rights and status of properties, causing irreversible consequences. 'On the other hand, a temporary stay would merely maintain the status quo ante and ensure that no irreversible prejudice or harm is caused before the constitutionality of the provisions is adjudicated.' the affidavit said. Kerala's Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) agreed with the DMK in a separate affidavit on interim stay. Otherwise, it said, 'a large number of properties, not limited to mosques, graveyards, orphanages, and schools across the country will be at risk of losing their status as waqf properties, and will be subject to takeover by the Union government'. The Union government's reliance that a statute passed by Parliament had a 'presumption of constitutionality' and was misplaced, and did not absolve it from scrutiny when fundamental rights were at stake, the IUML, represented by advocates Haris Beeran, Usman Ghani Khan and P. Muhammad Haneef, submitted. The DMK said the Centre's claim that registration of waqf-by-user properties was mandatory was untenable. 'While the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, the Waqf Act, 1954, and the Waqf Act, 1995 – as they stood prior to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 – required an applicant to furnish particulars within their knowledge, such as the description of properties, annual income, and nature and object of the waqf, there was no statutory mandate to furnish information that is incapable of being ascertained – such as the name of the original settlor in waqfs by user created centuries ago. Waqf-by-user does not depend on the registration for its legal status as a waqf,' the DMK argued. The petitioners have argued that the 2025 Act, by purporting to deny recognition to waqfs-by-user and mandating impossible preconditions to fulfil for centuries-old endowments, strikes at the heart of the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. Objecting to any kind of stay from the court on the full implementation of the Act, the government said rampant encroachments in the name of waqfs led to introduction of the amendments. The Centre said that intrusions into private and government properties through misuse of earlier waqf provisions led to a phenomenal 116% rise in waqf lands from 2013 to 2024 – a high unmatched even during the Mughal period. On April 16, the three-judge Bench recorded an assurance by the government to neither denotify any waqf property, including waqf-by-user ones, nor make any appointment of non-Muslims to the Central Waqf Council or the States Waqf Boards under the 2025 Act.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Call for unity and hard work on labour day
Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment P. Geetha Jeevan on Thursday said that hard work was the only path to the nation's progress. She was addressing a gathering at a labour day event held in Thoothukudi. The International Labour Day celebration, organised by mechanised boat workers' unions, was held at the fishing harbour. The Minister participated in the event and distributed welfare measures to mechanised boat workers, who were currently without employment due to the ongoing fishing ban period in Tamil Nadu. At the meeting, she extended her labour day greetings to them and underscored the importance of unity among the unions for the betterment of the workers. 'There may be many unions, but when a problem arises only by standing united as a single union can success be achieved,' she said. She stressed that the competition among the workers must remain healthy and their actions must not lead to conflict or mental stress to others. Highlighting Tamil Nadu's goal in achieving a one trillion dollar economy by 2030, the Minister urged everyone to contribute to the development of the State. 'It is through labour that both our country and homes can prosper.' Emphasising the need for self-dependence and employment, Ms. Geetha Jeevan called on women to become empowered and not remain confined to their homes. Educated women must seek employment and others must pursue self-employment, in line with the vision of the Chief Minister.
Gulf News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Dubai gold price drops to lowest in 2 weeks - but many UAE shoppers have already done their buying
Dubai: The Dubai Gold Rate has slipped further to Dh362.5 a gram for 22K – the lowest in more than 15 days. The fairly sizable drop did not come in time for many shoppers in the UAE, who were out buying gold yesterday to make 'Akshaya Trithiya', the Indian festival where adding to one's gold holdings is a key part of the tradition. Even then, UAE's shoppers – residents and tourists – were not deterred that they had to pay for gold at Dh366-Dh369 a gram yesterday. The Dubai Gold Souq and jewellery stores elsewhere in the UAE had a heavy rush of buyers, starting from around 12pm and which continued right through closing time. It was as if shoppers were only intent on meeting the tradition of buying on Akshaya Trithiya whatever be the prevailing price. "They were picking up everything - gold coins, bars and jewellery," said Abdul Salam K. P., Vice-Chairman of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. This was indeed the best one-day sales the UAE jewellery trade has had since the start of 2025." Clearly, there was a lot of pent up demand on display, because most shoppers had been staying away from jewellery stores as prices kept on pushing higher and reaching the highest point of Dh388 last week. 'Contrary to historical trends, the INR might appreciate. Key thesis here is that the US will prefer a weaker dollar and a lower interest rate regime as large amounts of US debt will be maturing and coming up for renewal. 'Also, India's macro-factors like inflation, government finances, GDP growth and political stability should aid in INR stability. Only joker in the pack are crude oil prices, which according to me will be range-bound with a downward bias' - Prasanna Pathak, Managing Partner, The Wealth Company A little price drop helps By afternoon yesterday, the local gold rate had slipped to Dh366 levels, and which was another catalyst in the shopper surge seen in the afternoon. 'Tradition wins' is how another retailer characterized the heavy buying demand seen yesterday. "It would not surprise me if we had the same rush even if the Dubai gold rate was Dh375 or Dh385," he added. Many shoppers, especially first-time buyers, were also using the day to start their monthly instalment schemes with jewellery retailers. This way, they make a commitment to pay a fixed amount each month and for them to pick up gold at the end of 12 months. (In many cases, the jewellers put up a sum equal to what the individual is paying in a month as an incentive.) "There were younger shoppers who were getting into gold investments through the monthly instalment program," said Salam. "Their idea is to time their next big gold purchase in 12 months - and closer to Akshaya Trithiya 2026."
