(ECNS) -- Niushou Mountain scenic spot in China's eastern city of Nanjing has given up its plan to set free 100,000 fireflies after protests from environmental organizations.
The administration said it would instead establish a zone to promote visitor knowledge about the 'lightning' insects.
It added that fireflies planned for release at its Huaxi Valley park are all from farms in East China's Jiangxi Province and all have certificates of provenance.
The park might establish a firefly breeding base if insects are suited to the local environment, the body said.
Two local environmental protection organizations - Qinghuan Volunteer Service Center and Baidieyuan Ecological Development Center - have led an online protest against the firefly release.
An expert said it's highly possible that the plan would result in a massive number of dead fireflies or an invasion of an exotic species that is harmful to local varieties.
