GIS Mapping for Distribution of Firefly along Sungai Sepetang, Perak

Kuala Sepetang is well known for its nocturnal firefly-watching activities, which contribute to ecotourism and can provide economic incentives for mangrove conservation. This study aimed to use Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to map firefly hotspots and quantify firefly populations along the Sepetang Estuary, where GIS-based hotspot analysis of firefly distribution has received limited research attention. Ten sampling stations were selected based on environmental and surrounding habitat characteristics that could influence firefly abundance. Field surveys were conducted from November 2021 to April 2022, with five nights of sampling conducted each month along the Sepetang Estuary. During the daytime surveys, the boat stopped at each station for approximately 10–15 minutes to identify and record riparian vegetation and measure selected water-quality parameters. Firefly abundance was assessed during the corresponding nighttime surveys. The results showed that Station 6 recorded the highest firefly abundance, with a total of 55,719 fireflies observed over the six-month study period. Station 6 was also identified as the most suitable firefly-watching site because of its high density of flashing fireflies. GIS hotspot analysis was subsequently used to identify spatial patterns in firefly distribution and examine the relationship between firefly abundance and selected environmental parameters. However, the study was limited to mapping firefly distribution along the Sungai Sepetang corridor and therefore may not represent the broader firefly population in the Kuala Sepetang mangrove ecosystem. Further research is needed to support long-term monitoring and conservation, particularly as mangrove habitats that provide important sites for congregating fireflies are increasingly threatened by development, land-use change, and deforestation.