Butterfly Species Richness in Different Habitats of Pontianak City, West Kalimantan

A survey was conducted on the species composition, richness and abundance of Papilionoidea (excluding Lycaenidae) butterfly fauna in habitats with various degrees of disturbance and altitudes in tropical forests at Tam Dao National Park, northern Vietnam in 2001. The transect method was used to collect data in the survey. Six transects representing different habitat types at two sites, one site located at a low elevation of 200–250 m a.s.l., and the other located at a high elevation of 950–1000 m a.s.l., were chosen: three transects for each site, with a length of 500 m for each transect. A total of 3594 individuals of 127 species in 240 sets of data were recorded from various habitats. The differences in butterfly composition, species richness, abundance and diversity in different habitat types and altitudes were analyzed. The results showed significant differences of butterfly diversity among the different habitat types and between the low and high altitude sites. The butterfly diversity, species richness and species abundance in the low elevation habitats were higher than in the high elevation habitats. The highest diversity of butterflies occurred in the mixed habitats of agriculture, scrub and clearing lands of high disturbance. However, butterflies most important for conservation are associated with undisturbed or moderately disturbed forests only.

One of the major determinants of species richness is the amount of energy available, often measured as primary productivity. Heterogeneity of environmental variables has also been found to influence species richness. Predicting species distributions across landscapes and identifying areas that have high species richness, or vulnerable groups of species, is useful for land management. Remotely sensed data may help identify such areas, with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) providing an estimate of primary productivity. We examined the relationship between maximum productivity (NDVI), heterogeneity of productivity, and species richness of birds and butterflies at multiple spatial scales. We also explored relationships between productivity, functional guilds and residency groups of birds, and vagility classes of butterflies. Positive linear relationships between maximum NDVI and number of functional guilds of birds were found at two spatial scales. We also found positive linear relationships between maximum NDVI and species richness of neotropical migrant birds at two scales. Heterogeneity of NDVI, by contrast, was negatively associated with number of functional guilds of birds and species richness of resident birds. Maximum NDVI was associated with species richness of all butterflies and of the most vagile butterflies. No association was found between heterogeneity of NDVI and species richness of butterflies. In the Great Basin, where high greenness and availability of water correspond to areas of high species richness and maximum NDVI, our results suggest that NDVI can provide a reliable basis for stratifying surveys of biodiversity, by highlighting areas of potentially high biodiversity across large areas. Measures of heterogeneity of NDVI appear to be less useful in explaining species richness.

BackgroundMany species inhabiting Kihansi gorge ecosystem in Southern Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss caused by constructed hydropower plant that diverted over 90% the water off the Kihansi River. Understanding ecological correlates and structure of an animal community in perturbed ecosystems is an important way to enhancing species conservation particularly in this system, where several species are already threatened with extinction. This study assessed influences of local habitat characteristics on the butterfly abundance, species richness and diversity and examined how the butterfly community structures across three structurally heterogeneous habitats in the Kihansi gorge forest. Butterfly abundance data were collected using baited traps and measured environmental variables in the field, where trapping occurred. To understand the diversity and butterfly richness, these parameters were computed under Primer software. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of community similarity were used to analyse the butterfly community structure. Furthermore, the generalized linear models (GLM) were used to assess how the measured variables explained observed species diversity, abundance, and richness.ResultsIn total, 72 species of butterfly in five families were recorded. Butterfly species diversity and richness did not vary across the habitat types or elevation gradient but showed strong correlation with some habitat characteristics. In addition, there was evidence of butterfly communities structuring into distinct groups that showed greater separation associated with the habitat characteristics they utilise. Furthermore, across the study area, butterfly species diversity increased significantly in high canopy and in trees with smaller DBH and at lower ground cover. Similarly, abundance significantly increased in the woodland and wooded grassland habitats, where there was high canopy and where tree density was high. Furthermore, butterfly species richness was strongly positively associated with high canopy cover and mostly increased in sites closer to water source.ConclusionFirst, this study shows strong positive correlation between the habitat characteristics and butterfly species and community structure, suggesting strongly that maintaining habitat quality should be a priority in conserving the butterfly communities in Kihansi. Second, conservation of environmental disturbance indicator butterfly taxa which are also endemic and rare is worthy of concern under the ongoing human-induced threats in the area. It is appropriate time that the Tanzania government should declare the Kihansi gorge forest among existing protected areas to secure effective conservation of biological diversity in this threatened ecosystem. Third, the ants–butterfly symbionts and their links to the potential lichen depletion are still unclear, and thus future research should explore the trophic cascades of depleting habitat quality on the endemic and rare butterfly species in the Kihansi gorge.

Organic farming supports spatiotemporal stability in species richness of bumblebees and butterflies

The importance of the gravel excavation industry for the conservation of grassland butterflies

The regional government of Pontianak City in West Kalimantan is working to increase and improve the quality of green space to 30% in accordance with the provisions of Law no. 26 of 2007 concerning spatial planning. The purpose of this study is to find out how micro entrepreneurs' perceptions of the existence of green open space (RTH) in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan. The research method used in this study is a descriptive survey method with a qualitative approach to interview techniques. Samples were 50 micro entrepreneurs who were around the open green space. The result is the perception of micro entrepreneurs in managing green open space in general is very positive

Effects of changes in the riparian forest on the butterfly community (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in Cerrado areas

Butterflies are widely studied due to their key ecosystem functions. For this reason, they are used in ecosystem assessment, formulating conservation plans and in raising the environmental awareness. Quantification of different factors affecting diversity of butterflies is important for their effective conservation. In this study, we investigated abiotic and biotic factors affecting species richness and community composition of butterflies along an elevational gradient in Manang region, central Nepal. We also tested if butterfly species follow the Bergmann’s rule. A total of 57 butterfly species belonging to 39 genera and 8 families were recorded in the study area. Out of a total of 127 plant species in identified in the study region, only 67 plant species were visited by butterflies as nectar sources. Species richness of butterflies increased with increasing elevation. Species richness was significantly higher in places with shrubs compared to other places and also in autumn than in summer. Species richness of butterflies also depended on composition of plant species occurring at the localities. Butterfly species composition varied among sampling localities. It was also determined by habitat type, elevation, sampling time, plant species and interactions of elevation × time. The relationship between butterfly size and elevation was in the opposite direction than expected according to the Bergmann’s rule. In conclusion, protection of butterfly diversity can only be achieved by protecting different habitats across the diverse physiography of the region and different plant species, in particular herbs and shrubs. Our results do not support the Bergmann’s rule for butterflies along an elevational gradient in our region.

The presence of butterflies can be found in several types of habitats and can be used as an indicator of environmental conditions. Geologically, the Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano is unique and has high scientific value. It is necessary to update the butterfly diversity data to determine the diversity of butterflies at Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity, richness, evenness, and dominance of butterfly species at Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano. The exploration method was carried out to obtain data for three repetitions. There were 51 butterfly species with a total of 584 individuals, consisting of Nymphalidae (54.55%), Papilionidae (21.82%), Pieridae (20.00%) and Lycaenidae (3.64%). The index value of butterfly species diversity at Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano (2.97) was medium. The species evenness index (0.83) indicated that the species was relatively stable and evenly distributed. The richness of butterfly species was high, i.e. 6.70, suggesting that the current habitat was suitable for the life of the butterflies. The dominance index value was low, i.e. 0.12, indicating that there was no domination of certain species. The abundant species were Eurema sp. (23.12%), Ideopsis juventa (7.02%), and Catopsilia pomona (6.85%).

The ability to predict spatial patterns of species richness using a few easily measured environmental variables would facilitate timely evaluation of potential impacts of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Two common hypotheses maintain that faunal species richness can be explained in part by either local vegetation heterogeneity or primary productivity. Although remote sensing has long been identified as a potentially powerful source of information on the latter, its principal application to biodiversity studies has been to develop classified vegetation maps at relatively coarse resolution, which then have been used to estimate animal diversity. Although classification schemes can be delineated on the basis of species composition of plants, these schemes generally do not provide information on primary productivity. Furthermore, the classification procedure is a time- and labour-intensive process, yielding results with limited accuracy. To meet decision-making needs and to develop land management strategies, more efficient methods of generating information on the spatial distribution of faunal diversity are needed. This article reports on the potential of predicting species richness using single-date Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM). We use NDVI as an indicator of vegetation productivity, and examine the relationship of three measures of NDVI—mean, maximum, and standard deviation—with patterns of bird and butterfly species richness at various spatial scales. Results indicate a positive correlation, but with no definitive functional form, between species richness and productivity. The strongest relationships between species richness of birds and NDVI were observed at larger sampling grains and extent, where each of the three NDVI measures explained more than 50% of the variation in species richness. The relationship between species richness of butterflies and NDVI was strongest over smaller grains. Results suggest that measures of NDVI are an alternative approach for explaining the spatial variability of species richness of birds and butterflies.

Plant composition of urban green spaces is an important component of urban ecosystem as it influences the provision of many environmental and social services that contribute to the quality life. In Nairobi, a few remnants of continuous highland forest exist but they are under increasing pressure from the rapidly changing surrounding landscape. The plant composition is being altered by human encroachment and other related activities. The status of the current plant composition in relation to location and disturbance level is unknown. This study was therefore carried out to determine the variation in tree composition and distribution in three major green spaces within Nairobi city namely City Park, Karura and Ngong’ forests. Transects were laid out along environmental gradients, and the type, size, abundance and diameter at breast height (DBH) of tree species recorded within 20*15 m quadrats. The following aspects were calculated; abundance, species richness and distribution of tree diameters at breast height (DBH) and importance value (IVI). Indigenous species contributed 82% whilst exotic species accounted for 18% of the total species recorded. A mean quadrat species richness of 6.3, 4.7 and 4.1 was recorded in City Park, Karura and Ngong’ forests, respectively. It was observed that few tree species dominate and this reduces the diversity. At forest edges, exotic species were abundant, but this changed as one moves to the center, where the composition was mainly indigenous due to minimal disturbance. It can be concluded from this study that for conservation of the green urban spaces, there should be proper planning in place to minimize the human encroachment and to enhance plant diversity especially indigenous species. Further, it is necessary to encourage all stakeholders to participate in the conservation of these important sites.     Key words: Urban vegetation, remnant habitat, anthropogenic effects, phytosociology, species richness, importance value.

We used butterfly assemblages to evaluate the ecological value of habitat mosaics within garrigue ecosystems in Cyprus. To understand the importance of the local plant communities for Cypriot butterflies, five plots in each of two habitat types (grass-dominated or shrub-dominated) were surveyed weekly for a period of five months in order to assess the abundance, species richness and diversity of butterflies. A total of 810 butterflies of 16 species were recorded. Indices of butterfly diversity, calculated across the whole season, were similar between grassland and shrubland dominated mosaics. However, species richness of all butterflies was consistently higher in grassland dominated mosaics throughout the whole season. The peak abundance of all butterfly species occurred during mid-season (late April - early May), with similar numbers observed in both habitat types. However, a greater abundance was observed during early and late season in grassland patches. The abundance of endemic species (Maniola cypricola, Hipparchia cypriensis, Glaucopsyche paphos) peaked earlier in the season in shrubland patches, but was higher in grassland patches in late season. This difference in seasonal timing of endemic abundance was dominated by the seasonal dynamics of M. cypricola. These results suggest that, while garrigue is characterised by its shrub flora, management to maintain a mosaic of grassland and shrubland could act to maximise the abundance and richness of indicator species groups of conservation importance.

The studies of the species composition and structure of the spider population in the Donetsk City wood planting are given. A total of 109 species from 22 families were recorded. Linyphiidae (26,6% of total species in study sites), Lycosidae (11,1%) and Gnaphosidae (13,8%) were most species-rich. Lycosidae (55,6% individuals) were the more abundant. Linyphiidae (19,6%) occupied the second position. Gnaphosidae (4,8%) were less abundant than Thomisidae (10,8%). The high spider density and significant species richness are typical for country wood, in city parks these parameters have decreased. The maximal species richness (71 species) is recorded in suburban bairak wood (Yasinovataya Town). The minimal species richness is recorded in Lenynkiy Komsomol Park (32 species). The average spider density equal to 65,8 individuals to 100 trap-days. The maximal value of this parameter is recorded in suburban bairak wood (103,8 individuals to 100 trap-days). The minimal value of this parameter is recorded in the city parks (40,4 and 31,6 individuals to 100 trap-days in Scherbakova Park and Lenynkiy Komsomol Park respectively). The total percentage of the most abundant species (eudominants) in the parks has increased and the the total percent of the rare species has decreased. Location of the biotops in city space (on fringe, in the centre) with the spectrum of antropogenous influence has more determinative significance for the araneocomplex similarity, than generality of the origin (artificial wood, natural bairak oak forest). Key words: Aranei, spiders, spider population, araneofauna, urbanization.

Urbanization has a growing influence on pollinator species worldwide, benefiting some species while threatening others. Urban areas have high cover of impervious surfaces, altered floral communities, and competition from non-native species. Additionally, the existing biodiversity in urban areas may not be equitably distributed, instead reflecting patterns of wealth (ie luxury effects). Despite these challenges, city parks can serve as refuges for pollinator biodiversity. We investigated how wild bee and butterfly species richness and community composition differed across city parks depending on landscape-scale (neighborhood income and land cover surrounding a park) and local-scale (floral traits and honey bee abundance) factors in Denver, Colorado, United States. We found increased wild bee richness was primarily related to local-scale factors like increases in floral species richness and non-weedy plant cover. Butterfly richness was instead primarily negatively associated with landscape-scale factors like increased cover of impervious surfaces and income. Although we did not observe broad-scale luxury effects, we found that lower-income parks had a higher proportion of non-native weedy plants and lower wild bee species richness than higher-income parks, which had primarily native plantings and higher wild bee richness. Wild bee communities differed between parks with high and low abundances of honey bees (Apis mellifera), with Bombus huntii most associated with abundant honey bee parks, and 7 solitary bees associated with lower honey bee parks. These findings suggest managers can implement species-rich native plantings in parks to support wild bee diversity regardless of landscape context. However, interventions to support butterflies may rely more on landscape-level planning.

West Kalimantan is a province that has a very diverse artistic potential. West Kalimantan Province inhabited by indigenous people and other migrants. The dominant ethnic groups are Dayak, Malay and Chinese. The Dayak tribe is rich in a variety of arts, such as dance, sculpture, painting and others. Every year, the Dayak tribe holds a Dayak Gawai featuring a Dayak art competition. Dayak art was developed by a large number of art studios but not yet well-organized, so a forum for the Dayak Arts Center of West Kalimantan was needed. The purpose of designing the West Kalimantan Dayak Arts Center in Pontianak City is to produce a design for the Dayak arts center of West Kalimantan in Pontianak City as a forum that facilitates Dayak arts in West Kalimantan that reflects the characteristics of Dayak in West Kalimantan. The design method used in the Design of the Dayak Arts Center in West Kalimantan in Pontianak City consists of several stages, namely the idea stage and the data collection stage related to the design needs and the design location. The design result of the West Kalimantan Dayak Arts Center in Pontianak City is to facilitate West Kalimantan Dayak arts based on the functions of education, information, promotion and recreation which can support the activities of West Kalimantan Dayak arts and can display forms that reflect the characteristics of West Kalimantan Dayak architecture.