ISSN 2756-3367
African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 12 (6), pp. 001-012, June, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Elevational diversity of butterflies in the Bioko Island
Mercy Murkwe1, 5, Geraud C. Tasse Taboue2, 5, Maximiliano S. Fero-Meñé3, Mary K. Gonder4 and Eric B. Fokam5,6
1Department of Biology, Higher Teachers Training College, University of Bamenda, P.O.Box 39 Bambili, Cameroon
2Multipurpose Agricultural Research Station Bangangte, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, P.O.Box 222 Bangangte, Cameroon
3Environmental Science Programme, Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial, Malabo, Bioko Notre, Equatorial Guinea
4Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
5Laboratory for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O.Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
6Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O.Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
Abstract
Received 8 June, 2025; Revised 13 June, 2025; Accepted 15 June, 2025; Published 24 June, 2025
Understanding the diversity and distribution of species composition is crucial for informing conservation strategies. This study documented the diversity of butterflies at various elevations on Bioko Island, specifically between 618 m and 1075 m above sea level. Butterfly sampling was carried out in November 2015 using 15 baited traps and nets across 15 locations. Generally, 1,029 individuals were collected, representing 92 species from 5 families: Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Heliconiinae, Pseudopontiinae, and Lycaenidae. The species collected varied by elevation with the mid elevations (540-618 m) harbouring the most (76 species), followed by high elevations (655-1075 m) with 28 species and low elevations (4-116 m) with the fewest (19 species). Overall diversity patterns, as indicated by the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s Index, revealed that butterfly species richness and abundance were significantly higher within the mid and high elevations. Diversity indices were relatively similar between high and low elevation. Importantly, this study identified three endemic species: Bicyclus feae, Cymothoe fumana, and Ceratrichia flava Fernanda, most of which were found at elevations exceeding 500 m a.s.l. The findings improve understanding of elevational diversity patterns in tropical ecosystems, particularly Bioko Island, aiding conservation management in predicting species shifts due to elevation, population growth, deforestation and climate change.
Keywords: Elevation, Butterfly diversity, Bioko Island, conservation management.