Abstract

 
 
 With the increase in the rate of tree removal and construction of buildings within the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria premises, there has been concomitant rise in habitat modification. These changes in habitat composition affect the insect population. This study therefore investigated the insect species diversity and abundance within some selected locations within FRIN with the view to determining different insect species available in FRIN premises. Sweep nets were used to trap the insects along a predetermined line transect. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Paleontological Statistics were used for the data analysis. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and species diversity and composition were all assessed. A total number of 1073 individual insects belonging to 6 orders, 27 families and 34 species were recorded across the three locations. Out of this, Order Lepidoptera had the highest relative abundance (53%), followed by Coleoptera (22%), then by Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Heteroptera and Diptera with 10%, 9%, 4% and 2% relative abundance respectively. The result of ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in species composition/richness across the locations at probability level of 5%. The insect species diversity, evenness and richness also varied across the locations. This study therefore, brings to the fore the diversity and abundance of insects within FRIN premises and highlighted the need for a more intensive study by the entomology section and for sustainable actions to be taken in conserving beneficial rare species while, managing the abundant pestiferous ones.
 
 
Highlights
IntroductionThe establishment and fencing of the herbal garden has an impact on insect species distribution within Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN)
Modified through the construction of buildings and road networks
The largest number of insect species (27) for the study was observed from Forestry Herbarium (FH), followed by Herbal Garden (HG) (26) while the least was observed in College of Forestry Football Field (22)
Summary
The establishment and fencing of the herbal garden has an impact on insect species distribution within FRIN. Even some of the fragmented areas are being further modified through the introduction of different land use and land cover types. This continues having serious impacts on FRIN landscape. Little attention has been given to ascertain the impact of habitat fragmentation, modification and loss, on the composition and diversity of the insect populations. The current study is designed for the very first time to provide and document a checklist of the insects found in each of the locations, determine their composition and diversity pattern within the study locations.
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