Butterfly diversity (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) within the Ibanda Makera forest remnant, Eastern Province of Rwanda.

Abstract

Forest fragments in a human-dominated landscape are threatened by anthropogenic activities, especially in regions with high population growth, like Rwanda. Such is the case of the Ibanda Makera forest fragment, which is threatened by human activities, including agricultural encroachment, and drought. To mitigate these threats, an effort has been made to protect the forest’s indigenous plant and animal species. In this regard, a study has been undertaken to document the butterfly diversity within the forest to obtain baseline data for future monitoring of environmental change and forest restoration. Butterfly specimens were collected in May and June 2023 using hand sweep nets along transects, baited traps, and opportunistic sampling. A first species checklist of 112 butterfly species is reported from the forest. More sampling is clearly needed; our results showed a bias towards large-bodied species and two important butterfly families Lycaenidae (eight species) and Heperiidae (four species) were under sampled. Additional studies are required to compliment this first baseline assessment, including surveys of additional areas and habitats within the Ibanda Makera forest remnant, and spanning seasonal times.