Illuminating the impact of artificial light at night on firefly diversity and ecology in urban parks in Kuala Lumpur

Habitat loss and light pollution are widely recognised as the most critical consequences of urbanisation that have led to a loss of insect biodiversity. Extensive research has been conducted on temperate species in Europe and North America, revealing a significant negative impact of urbanisation on insect populations. However, our current understanding of the effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on insect diversity and abundance in tropical Southeast Asia remains limited. Despite several megacities, including Kuala Lumpur, being listed among the most light-polluted in Malaysia, research on this topic has been scarce. This project aims to advance the current basic understanding of the impacts of ALAN on insects and contribute to the growing body of literature on insect ecology, behaviour, and life histories. We will employ integrative, comparative, and multidisciplinary approaches to investigate themechanisms behind the effects of ALAN on insects using the bioluminescent beetles – the fireflies –– as insect model systems. Specifically, we aim to examine the effects of ALAN on 1) firefly diversity and 2) firefly ecology and behaviour. The outcomes of this research will have significant implications for urban lighting policy recommendations and planning, contributing to creating more sustainable and ecologically friendly cities. A thorough understanding of the effects of ALAN on insect diversity and abundance in tropical Southeast Asia is essential for developing effective conservation strategies to mitigate the negative impact of urbanisation on insect populations. Thus, this study will contribute to the academic community and provide policymakers with a solid scientificbasis for developing sustainable urbanisation strategies.