Dear Director Huang Xianyang,
We hope this letter finds you well.We are volunteers from the Firefly Ecology Line under the Endangered Species Fund of the China Green Development Foundation. Recently, our team conducted a biodiversity survey in Daming Mountain, located in Wuming District, Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. We were struck by the rich biodiversity in the beautiful Daming Mountain, yet saddened by the lack of adequate protection for this vital ecosystem. Our investigations revealed that a significant number of insects, including various beetles, scorpions, mantises, damselflies, dragonflies, spiders, butterflies, and bees, are being captured in Liangjiang Town and sold across the country. This illegal trade includes protected species such as the Asian rhinoceros beetle (a Class II protected species in China) and other insects like stag beetles, large black scorpions, and mantises, which are being sold indiscriminately on Taobao. We write to you with a heartfelt request to coordinate efforts to crack down on these illegal wildlife capture and trade activities.
Daming Mountain, located in the northeastern part of Wuming County, Guangxi, spans approximately 65,000 hectares. The Tropic of Cancer runs right through the middle of the mountain, which is renowned as the highest and largest marker park of the Tropic of Cancer in China. Daming Mountain is not only a primary nature reserve in Guangxi but also a national-level protected area. With its stunning landscapes of spring mists, summer waterfalls, autumn clouds, and winter snow, Daming Mountain is often referred to as the “Lushan of Guangxi.” In the summer, its cool climate makes it a popular retreat from the heat of the southern Guangxi region, while in winter, it becomes the southernmost destination in China for enjoying snow.
Regrettably, we are currently unable to visit Daming Mountain due to the closure of the area. Nevertheless, the surrounding unique topography deeply fascinates us. Under the bright sun, the expansive land nurtures diligent people, and the majestic mountains protect this vast terrain. We have learned that this fertile land is formed by the alluvial deposits from Daming Mountain. The breathtaking scenery and clear streams remind us of the incredible beauty of Guangxi.
Daming Mountain’s tourism has boosted the local economy and increased the income of its residents, becoming a green emblem of Guangxi. A restaurant owner in Mingshan Village at the foot of the mountain told us that every weekend, many tourists used to come for meals and accommodation. However, due to the mountain’s closure this year, the number of tourists has declined. Daming Mountain is expected to reopen next May, promising a brighter future.
The Hidden Carnage Behind the Beauty
Unbeknownst to many, this beauty has attracted considerable destruction. The unique climate, fertile soil, and rich biodiversity have resulted in extensive exploitation of Daming Mountain’s resources.
In the past, one could see Mandarin ducks swimming by the riverside and fireflies lighting up the night as they ventured into villagers’ homes. Sadly, these sights have largely vanished due to human greed. The Mandarin ducks are gone, and only a few fireflies now dot the night.
Aunt Wei, a resident of Hanan Village at the foot of Daming Mountain, shared with us that every year, “bosses” come to the villages to collect insects of all kinds, including fireflies and butterflies. During the day, they capture butterflies with nets; at night, they catch fireflies. The nets are handmade, with poles measuring 3 meters and nets 1 meter wide. Buyers notify the villagers a day in advance about the quantity needed, and the collection is scheduled for 9 AM for butterflies and 9 PM for fireflies. Over the past three years, they have caught so many fireflies that their numbers have significantly dwindled.
Mr. Li, from Lixi Village, Fuzhou Township at the foot of Daming Mountain, told us that fireflies are typically caught from May to December, with male fireflies fetching twice the price of females. Although there are fewer orders now, if left unchecked, the catching of fireflies will peak around the Qixi and Mid-Autumn festivals.
This reminds me of the similar situation in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, where the rampant capture and sale of fireflies over six years have extinguished their glow in the town of Xiaobu. This practice has spread to more remote mountainous areas. Like the area around Daming Mountain, Xiaobu was once a haven for fireflies. The town government has since taken significant measures to crack down on this, with the town mayor coordinating efforts among various enforcement agencies, including the industrial and forestry departments. Although these efforts have yielded positive results, it will still take many years for the firefly populations to recover in their natural habitats.
Fireflies are indicator species for ecological health, highlighting the superior natural environment of Daming Mountain, which is also a key reason why it is a popular tourist destination. Without a diverse animal population, how can we speak of a beautiful ecological environment?
Where Have the Fireflies Gone?
To die.
Our online survey from July 1 to July 10 revealed that 17,883 fireflies were sold on Alibaba’s platforms, with Taobao alone recording 1,366 orders. Even conservatively estimating 100 fireflies per order, this totals 136,600 fireflies sold in just ten days, adding up to a staggering 154,433 fireflies. Large orders are often transported offline, beyond our tracking. These fireflies are taken from their natural habitats to events and displays in urban areas. Most die during transportation or soon after being released in cities, where they cannot survive the bright lights and pollution. Before they even get a chance to mate, they are doomed to perish.
The declining number of fireflies in the beautiful surroundings of Daming Mountain is a direct consequence of this exploitation. Captured fireflies are often transported to Tanshen Village in Liangjiang Town, Wuming County, the main hub for purchasing fireflies. The preferred locations for catching fireflies are along riverbanks, farm paths, ditches, and grassy areas, with the Daming Mountain Nature Reserve being the richest source. Here, one can catch thousands of fireflies in a single day, leading to a bloodless but devastating massacre. Thousands of fireflies are trapped by villagers’ nets and transported to cities, where they meet their end.
The pristine rivers and fast-flowing streams that originate from Daming Mountain create an ideal environment for all living creatures, including fireflies. Daming Mountain protects all life within its bounds, remaining untouched even when other regions suffer from floods.
Yet, people continue to deplete this good ecosystem, leaving the creatures with no place to escape. The nets trap not only fireflies looking for mates but also the romantic stories of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, and the graceful damselflies in the water.
Are Fireflies the Only Victims?
No, there are many more.
Our online investigations reveal that many other insects are being caught and sold, including mantises, damselflies, dragonflies, giant stag beetles, click beetles, large black scorpions, Asian rhinoceros beetles, various stag beetles, beetles, longhorn beetles, ghost spiders, katydids, whip scorpions, bamboo bees, orb weaver spiders, green dung beetles, bird-eating spiders, and more. The Asian rhinoceros beetle, a Class II protected species, is openly sold, and many Class III protected species like stag beetles, large black scorpions, and mantises are also traded extensively on Taobao. The source of these insects is Liangjiang Town, at the foot of Daming Mountain.
Regardless of whether these insects are protected by law, the rampant capture of insects is a severe violation of the Wildlife Protection Law. According to the law, all wildlife resources belong to the state, and capturing them requires approval from forestry departments at various levels.
Local governments should crack down on the illegal collection of insects and immediately halt any unlawful activities at collection points. Those who continue to defy national laws should be punished in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Law and the Regulations on the Administration of Licensing for Special Uses of Wildlife.
Daming Mountain, as a national nature reserve, is a no-hunting zone. According to the relevant laws, illegal hunting within protected areas or during closed seasons, or using prohibited tools or methods, can result in imprisonment, detention, control, or fines for severe cases. Nature reserves are the repositories of biological species and the last refuges for endangered species. Yet, in Daming Mountain, large numbers of fireflies and other insects are being slaughtered.
If the large-scale capture continues, it could lead to a dramatic decline or even extinction of certain insect species, severely disrupting the local ecological chain. A disrupted ecological chain, where certain pests have no natural predators, could result in significant and irreparable damage to Daming Mountain and its surroundings. The importance of a single insect in the ecological chain cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
On behalf of the China Green Hairpin Foundation’s Firefly Ecology Initiative, I would like to draw your attention to the following concerns regarding firefly and wildlife conservation in the Daming Mountain area:
- Crackdown on Illegal Capture and Sale of Fireflies: According to our investigation, there is a significant rise in illegal capture and sale of fireflies from the Qixi Festival to the Mid-Autumn Festival each year. This activity not only violates the Wildlife Protection Law but also poses a serious threat to local ecosystem stability and biodiversity. We strongly urge local authorities to take immediate action by implementing strict regulations and enforcement measures to prohibit all capture and sale of fireflies.
- Combatting Illegal Transportation of Fireflies and Wildlife: As per the People’s Republic of China Postal Law, the mailing of all live animals is strictly prohibited. However, we have observed instances where individuals attempt to circumvent these laws by shipping these animals. We request close cooperation between local governments and postal authorities to ensure rigorous enforcement of relevant regulations and to prevent any illegal transportation of live animals.
- Enhancing Ecological Awareness Among Local Villagers: Effective ecological conservation requires the participation and support of the entire community. We recommend conducting ecological education and training sessions to educate local villagers about wildlife conservation, enhancing their awareness and capacity for action in protecting the environment.
- Strengthening Patrols in the Daming Mountain Nature Reserve and Surrounding Areas: Due to its rich biodiversity and crucial ecological functions, we emphasize the need for increased patrols to prevent any form of poaching and illegal capture in the Daming Mountain area. Only through stringent protection measures can we ensure the effective restoration and preservation of Daming Mountain’s ecosystem.
- Establishing the First Firefly Nature Reserve in Daming Mountain: The establishment of firefly reserves has proven successful globally, including in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan. We propose the creation of the first firefly nature reserve in Daming Mountain, employing scientific management and public participation to ensure the stability and growth of firefly populations. This initiative will not only contribute to local ecological conservation but also serve as a prominent attraction for green tourism in Guangxi, fostering sustainable economic development.
Director Huang, your attention and leadership are crucial in these efforts. We look forward to collaborating with you to protect the ecological integrity of Daming Mountain, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy this beautiful natural resource. We await your positive response and further guidance.
Yours sincerely,
China Green Hairpin Foundation, Firefly Ecology Initiative
Ping Lei
Behind the Investigation：
