Save the Planet: Symbolism of a bioluminescent speciesAlthough the Graham East's Onychiuridae is not an endangered or threatened species and is reported to exist in great abundance, perhaps it may serve to remind us how abundant other forms of bioluminescent animals use to be before people began to destroy the planet with pollution, pesticides and urban development projects. Indeed, in some places where bioluminescent animals use to occur in great numbers, now they have practically disappeared. A good example of this is the firefly. Fireflies and GEO's are two vastly different species, but they both live in that most fragile of ecological niches, the cryptosphere, the layer of soil, leaf litter and organic debris which represent the upper layer of the forest floor. In the United States as well as the United Kingdom, there are many places fireflies use to occur in great abundance and now have practically disappeared. Something is killing the fireflies and no one is quite sure what it is. Perhaps it is a combination of factors related to the manner in which people have disrupted and destroyed the habitat which fireflies need to exist. In Firefly Safe Zones: Strategies for Reintroduction, Preservation and Maintenance of Vigorous Firefly Populations I have reviewed this problem and suggested strategies for the conservation of our environment with respect to fireflies. These same considerations are vital to the preservation of other species, like the GEO and Collembola in general. In this regard the GEO may serve as symbol, as a beacon, which is flashing an alarm to save our planet. When anything goes wrong with the ecosystem, there are species which are very sensitive to change. These species serve as indicators to warn us that something is wrong. When we see dead fish floating upon the water, birds dropping out of the sky and dying by the thousands, or the disappearance of fireflies, these signs signal us that we are using and abusing our environment in ways which impact, not only the species we see disappearing and dying, but in ways which are destroying the habitat for many associated species. The GEO is an ideal symbol for environmental preservation and conservation for it occurs in an area which has not yet succumb to the pressures of over population and urban development. Also as a bioluminescent species which makes for a pretty cute picture, one which is attractive and has no animosity attached to it, the GEO is a perfect choice to symbolize environmental conservation. Therefore I have produced a "Save the Planet" design which uses the same photograph adopted for the GEO masthead. This design is to be made available upon merchandise which people any where in the world may purchase to express their concern for our environment. Proceeds from the marketing of this design will be used to maintain this web site, study bioluminescent species and further help educate and inform people with respect to the conservation of the environment and preservation of endangered and threatened species. Of course I don't expect everyone to rush out and buy a "Save the Planet" T-shirt, mug or mouse pad. But this certainly a worthy cause. The little glowing Collembola featured upon the design is flashing an alarm which must be heard, least we one day have no fireflies, no glow worm and no glow buddies to sparkle in the night bringing joy and wonder to our lives. So if you want to help "Save the Planet" please do your part and listen to the glow buddies flashing in the night, the fireflies dancing in the meadow, the glow worms and glowing lights. Our planet is home to all of live, and when we act with greed, ignorance or unconcern and our actions destroy a species, it is a sign we may be the next ones to go.
Terry Lynch
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If you are interested in the study of bioluminescence, the collection, study and rearing of bioluminescent species or have some expertise in these or related matters and would like to collaborate in future studies or share in correspondence please contact Terry Lynch. Also, if you like this site or have some comments, please sign the guestbook below and visit The Glow Buddy Emporium. Thanks!