Temporal Variation in Abundance and Distribution of Butterflies in a Southern Nigerian National Park

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the butterfly diversity in Okomu National Park, Nigeria order make available information on species protected area. Background: Butterflies are a taxonomically important group for predicting health environment. Objective: In establish abundance and distribution temporal variation conducted period twenty-four months (July 2012 June 2014). Methods: Eight transects (Disturbed habitat (DIS), Forest Edge/Plantation (FE/P), Moderately Open (MOF), Along Road/Moist Patches (FAR/MP), Riparian Habitat (RIP), Closed Canopy (CC), Shrub (SHR) Grassland (GRA) were mapped out from four ranges (Igwonwan, Arakhuan, Julius Creek Babui) using visual level disturbance degree canopy closure transect walk, net baited trap methods sampling. Environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, rainfall) concurrently sampled with butterflies. Results: A total 143 6,310 individuals butterflies obtained families; Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae. Nymphalid (3103: 49.2%) Pieridae (2269: 36.0%) predominated Hesperiidae recorded lowest (8: 0.1%). Significant differences observed (p< 0.05). Rainfall positively correlated abundance. Butterfly higher rainy season compared dry except RIP where reverse trend observed. Abundance FAR/MP (1633: 25.9%) MOF (1251: 19.8%) other transects, SHR (295: 4.7%). Conclusion: It can be concluded that forest is abundant stable, as such continuous effort required conserve flora fauna park.