Activities Report Jan 2000 Newsletter

Firefly survey'99 
      MNS HQ would like to know your response on this type of survey for the upkeeping of database in the HQ for future conservation projects. Being active members all over Malaysia, you are the eyes and ears for the HQ as we at HQ do not have the resources to go around all over the place. The branches then can complement the HQ for the data. We will be happy to receive info on what you see or find out in the branch trips or personal trips. So please let me know whether I should continue with this type of survey.
      As the year is coming to the end, I am thinking of discontinuing the survey by Dec 99. We have been having responses of an average of 4-5 a month from Selangor which publishes the newsletter once a month. For the other branches which have a bi-monthly issue we have not being getting much inputs from other states. Most of the submissions are from the newer members. I hope that everybody can take part in any survey. I would appreciate that one records it before one forgets as it may not help much in conservation if the info is lost.
      MNS started off as a nature study and appreciation plus a bit of an 'exclusive club'. In the old days they publish a journal with contribution from the enthusiastic layman members on their observations and exchange them in afternoon tea sessions. Today it should not be any different from the old days. I would like to encourage the branches especially the committee members and core members and members to revived the nature study part in all their outings. I know that all of you like nature and also like it generally or maybe have  a passion in one or two areas. Perhaps you can share it with the other members in your trips or talks. It is very important, as I have not seen such observations being discuss and shared in the newsletter.
      Perhaps you may have done it verbally, but a recorded statement is important. The fun element should always be there in trips, but the more important point is the message of nature appreciation and awareness. For example if you see an animal or plant or the condition of the place have changed in one your trips, please send it in to your newsletter editor or the MN editor or even direct to the HQ or in one of the HQ's survey forms. If possible a picture will be helpful and valuable.
      MNS is conducting a survey on fireflies. If you come across anything that flashes and glows in the night, pls complete the from below as best as possible, even if you have spotted only one. Please do not include the Kg Kuantan firefly area. Mail/fax/phone/ email to Melissa/sonny/stella @ MNS HQ: PO box 10750, 50724 KL, ph: 03-2879422, fax:03-2878773 and email: [email protected]


1. Your Name: .......................................... 
2. Address: ................................................ 
3. Tel/Fax/email: ....................................... 
4. Area/Place seen (town name, place name, road milestone): ................................. 
5. How many seen?:.................................. 
6. Synchronous flashing*/non-synchronous   /individuals:................................ 
7. Colour of light :....................................... (*Please refer to Notes on next page) 
8. Time fireflies were observed flashing: ... 
9. Seen near riverside/in water/mangrove trees    trees/orchards/stream/plantation/garden/ etc: ........................................................... 
10. Spotted any during the day? Where seen? (on trees/grass, etc.) Fruit trees/forest trees? : ..................................................... 
11. Any other organism seen that glows** and flashes in the water/ground?: ............ 
12. Additional Info: ………...........................

Please send photo/ sketch of fireflies, if possible.
*     Synchronous means all flashing together at once in an area/tree.
       Non-synchronous is all flashing at different times or irregular flashing
       Individual means flying alone or just a few individuals
**   Glows means continuous light on. Flashing means on and off flashing.
*** Male underside have 2 segment of white light organs and female have one segment. Careful not
        to squish them when handling as they are very soft.

(The branch has been requested to reprint this appeal which appeared in the July 1998 issue)


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Created on 15th Jan 2000