THE DIVERSITY, ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF BUTTERFLY'S SPECIES IN GASHAKA GUMTI NATIONAL PARK, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract: This study evaluates the diversity, abundance, and distribution of butterfly species in Gashaka Gumti National Park (GGNP), Taraba State, Nigeria. Butterflies, vital ecological indicators and pollinators, are integral to understanding environmental health and biodiversity conservation. Employing fruit-baited traps and transect walks, butterfly species were sampled over six months, capturing seasonal variations. A total of 100 species comprising 771 individuals were recorded, with Tereas hecabe being the most dominant species (12.84% of total abundance). The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) for the park was calculated at 3.797, reflecting high species richness but uneven distribution. Rare species represented 35% of the species pool, underscoring the park's ecological complexity and the importance of habitat heterogeneity. The findings highlight GGNP's role as a biodiversity hotspot and stress the need for targeted conservation strategies to maintain its ecological integrity. Keywords: Butterfly, Diversity, Abundance, Distribution, Gashaka-Gumti. Title: THE DIVERSITY, ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF BUTTERFLY’S SPECIES IN GASHAKA GUMTI NATIONAL PARK, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA Author: David Musa Garkida, Delphine Leila David, Hussaina John Danburam International Journal of Recent Research in Life Sciences (IJRRLS) ISSN 2349-7823 Vol. 11, Issue 4, October 2024 - December 2024 Page No: 24-33 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 5-December-2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14282407 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/THE%20DIVERSITY,%20ABUNDANCE-05122024-8.pdf