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Mexico's Emerald Forest glows with largest firefly sanctuary, boosted by conservation
🇲🇽 Mexico /Environment & Climate

Mexico's Emerald Forest glows with largest firefly sanctuary, boosted by conservation

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Emerald Forest, located near Mexico's Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes, is home to the country's largest sanctuary of fireflies.
  • Visitors can witness a natural spectacle of thousands of green and yellow flashing lights from various species of fireflies, some rare, that inhabit the protected area.
  • Conservation efforts, including reforestation and habitat maintenance, have nearly doubled the firefly population in recent years, highlighting the forest's ecological health.

As dusk settles over the Emerald Forest, nestled on the slopes of Mexico's iconic Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes, a magical transformation occurs. At altitudes exceeding 2,600 meters, this protected area reveals itself as the country's largest sanctuary for fireflies, offering a breathtaking natural light show.

Initially, only a few faint lights appear, but soon the air fills with thousands of pulsating green and yellow flashes. Even on clear, moonlit nights, the forest floor and the spaces between ancient trees come alive with the silent, rhythmic blinking of countless fireflies. This enchanting display, occurring amidst the cool summer air, draws visitors who watch in hushed admiration.

The firefly represents the highest degree of conservation.

— Rafael Eugenio Parrilla ArroyoThe director of the Bosque Esmeralda ecotourism park explaining the ecological significance of fireflies.

Rafael Eugenio Parrilla Arroyo, the director of the Bosque Esmeralda ecotourism park, explained that the forest is home to eight different species of fireflies, both nocturnal and diurnal. He emphasized that their presence is a key indicator of the forest's health, citing research that designates fireflies as a sign of maximum conservation. "The firefly represents the highest degree of conservation," Parrilla stated.

Remarkably, conservation efforts have led to a significant increase in the firefly population. Between November 2025 and May 2026, the park recorded 432,000 fireflies per hectare, a near doubling from 180,000 in 2016. This resurgence is attributed to restoration work, including reforestation, firebreak maintenance, and controlling pests that damage trees. The park has welcomed approximately 12,000 visitors this season, all eager to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon.

We recorded 432,000 fireflies per hectare. In 2016 we started from 180,000. It has almost doubled.

— Rafael Eugenio Parrilla ArroyoThe director of the park detailing the increase in firefly population due to conservation efforts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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