Papilionoideae Species Abundance and Diversity in Forest and Outside a Forest Reserve in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: To assess the abundance and diversity of Papilionoideae species in Ngel-Nyaki forest reserve and its surrounding landscape. Study Design: The study area was divided into two habitat types; Protected (Ngel-Nyaki forest reserve) and unprotected habitat (surrounding landscape). We identified all species of Papilionoideae in the study area, and we used general linear models to compare the abundance and diversity of Papilionoideae species between the protected habitat and unprotected habitat. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ngel-Nyaki forest reserve and surrounding landscape, in Taraba State, South-eastern Nigeria from April to August 2019. Methodology: Thirteen line transects, each measuring 1000m was laid across the study sites, and on each of the 13 line transects, sixteen 10 x 10 m quadrats were established and spaced at an interval of 50m. All Papilionoideae species in our established 10 x 10 m quadrats were identified and recorded. All unidentified Papilionoideae species were collected and transferred to Ngel-Nyaki forest reserve herbarium for identification. Results: There were 560 individual plants consisting of 40 species during the survey; forest reserve 316 (56%), and surrounding area 244 (44%).The protected habitat had the highest abundance and diversity of Papilionoideae species. Conclusion: Overall, we have shown that the Ngel-Nyaki forest reserve and surrounding landscape host many individual Papilionoideae plants, suggesting the need for conservation to ensure that these habitats continue to support these species.