Abundance and diversity of butterfly species in Federal University Wukari, Nigeria

Abstract

Butterflies are currently in danger of going extinct due to habitat damage brought on by certain human activities. The study was carried out at Federal University Wukari, Taraba state, where the diversity and abundance of butterfly species was evaluated. Line transects were used to survey four habitats (Biological Garden, Residential Area, Farmland and Grassland) using handheld sweep nets in November, 2024 and February, 2025. With 88 individuals, or 42% of the total butterflies collected, the Pieridae family had the highest number of individuals. Nymphalidae had the second largest species with 83 individuals, or 40%, followed by Lycaenidae with 26 individuals, or 12%, Papilonidae with 11 individuals, or 5%, and Hespariidae with just 2 individuals, or 1%. The Shannon H. diversity indices were highest in the Biological Garden (2.484), the lowest was Grassland (2.057). The evenness index of butterflies varied by habitat, with the highest in the Farmland habitat (0.8309) and the lowest was the Biological Garden (0.666) respectively. No significant difference was observed in species composition/richness across some habitat types. Biological Garden and Farmland have the highest similarity (0.84), meaning they share many species. Biological Garden and Residential Area have the lowest similarity (0.65), indicating more distinct species compositions. In order to ensure the survival of butterflies and the ecosystem services they provide, it was suggested that conservation management efforts be implemented. Additionally, more research on butterfly species should be conducted in order to update this checklist.