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An Inventory of Butterfly Species Diversity in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Shehu Idris Umar Professor Salisu Muhammed Mohammed Hadi Ahmad Abubakar Zakari Khadijat Sanusi Abubakar Hassan Aisha Shehu Isa Alhaji Isah Nasir Kabiru Muhammed

Subject area: Physical Sciences and Environment  ·  Area of research: Environmental

DOI: 10.64388/IREV10I3-1722964

Abstract

This study investigates the diversity and distribution of butterfly species across the eight metropolitan Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano, Nigeria, a region experiencing rapid urbanization and environmental change. Butterflies are crucial bio-indicators of ecosystem health, and understanding their population dynamics is essential for effective biodiversity conservation. This research provides a comprehensive inventory of butterfly species, quantifies their diversity using established ecological indices, and analyzes their spatial distribution in relation to different land use types. The findings reveal a significant diversity of butterfly species, with notable variations in abundance and community composition across the study sites. The study highlights the adverse impacts of habitat fragmentation, pollution, and other anthropogenic pressures on butterfly populations. By establishing a baseline dataset, this research offers valuable insights for urban planning, conservation strategies, and the sustainable management of green spaces within the Kano metropolis, ultimately contributing to the preservation of these vital insect pollinators and the overall ecological integrity of the region.

Keywords

Butterfly diversity, Urbanization, Land use change, Species distribution and Biodiversity conservation

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How to cite this paper

Shehu Idris Umar, Professor Salisu Muhammed; Mohammed Hadi Ahmad, Abubakar Zakari; Khadijat Sanusi, Abubakar Hassan; Aisha Shehu, Isa Alhaji Isah; Nasir Kabiru Muhammed "An Inventory of Butterfly Species Diversity in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 10 Issue 3 2026 Page 1207-1216 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722964
Shehu Idris Umar, Professor Salisu Muhammed; Mohammed Hadi Ahmad, Abubakar Zakari; Khadijat Sanusi, Abubakar Hassan; Aisha Shehu, Isa Alhaji Isah; Nasir Kabiru Muhammed "An Inventory of Butterfly Species Diversity in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 3, Sep. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722964
Shehu Idris Umar, Professor Salisu Muhammed; Mohammed Hadi Ahmad, Abubakar Zakari; Khadijat Sanusi, Abubakar Hassan; Aisha Shehu, Isa Alhaji Isah; Nasir Kabiru Muhammed (2026). An Inventory of Butterfly Species Diversity in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 10(3). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722964
Shehu Idris Umar, Professor Salisu Muhammed; Mohammed Hadi Ahmad, Abubakar Zakari; Khadijat Sanusi, Abubakar Hassan; Aisha Shehu, Isa Alhaji Isah; Nasir Kabiru Muhammed "An Inventory of Butterfly Species Diversity in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 3, Sep. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722964
@article{1722964,
      author = {Shehu Idris Umar, Professor Salisu Muhammed; Mohammed Hadi Ahmad, Abubakar Zakari; Khadijat Sanusi, Abubakar Hassan; Aisha Shehu, Isa Alhaji Isah; Nasir Kabiru Muhammed},
      title = {An Inventory of Butterfly Species Diversity in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {1207-1216},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722964.pdf},
      abstract = {This study investigates the diversity and distribution of butterfly species across the eight metropolitan Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kano, Nigeria, a region experiencing rapid urbanization and environmental change. Butterflies are crucial bio-indicators of ecosystem health, and understanding their population dynamics is essential for effective biodiversity conservation. This research provides a comprehensive inventory of butterfly species, quantifies their diversity using established ecological indices, and analyzes their spatial distribution in relation to different land use types. The findings reveal a significant diversity of butterfly species, with notable variations in abundance and community composition across the study sites. The study highlights the adverse impacts of habitat fragmentation, pollution, and other anthropogenic pressures on butterfly populations. By establishing a baseline dataset, this research offers valuable insights for urban planning, conservation strategies, and the sustainable management of green spaces within the Kano metropolis, ultimately contributing to the preservation of these vital insect pollinators and the overall ecological integrity of the region.},
      keywords = {Butterfly diversity, Urbanization, Land use change, Species distribution and Biodiversity conservation},
      month = {September},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I3-1722964}
  }