Butterflies (Lepidoptera) have attracted more attention as indicators of terrestrial ecosystems than other invertebrates. This taxon is widely used as tools or subjects for biodiversity conservation planning in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The study determined butterfly species turnover at a-priori selected habitat patches in a protected area (Nduli Nature Reserve) and non-formally protected areas (outside Nduli Nature Reserve) of the KSD Local Municipality and their response to measured environmental variables. Using transect survey methods, 516 butterfly individuals belonging to 22 species were caught from 16 sampling units. Species dominance curves showed more butterfly species evenness outside reserve sites than inside. Hierarchical clustering using Bray-Curtis similarity matrices and Correspondence analysis (CA) grouped sampling units according to butterfly species sampled. Site habitat patches outside the reserve were richer in butterfly and overall abundance than inside the reserve. The Canonical Correspondence analysis (CCA) results revealed that certain site variables such as percentage herb cover, area of patch size, average grass height, grazing intensity, distance to the city centre and average flower density accounted for species distribution patterns at various sampling units. The conservation implications of the study suggest that patch level management of micro-habitats with sufficient flowering herbs, structural vegetation, and patch size with minimal disturbance within and outside reserve areas can encourage rare and common butterfly species richness and diversity.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wsu/vital:18490 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Avuletey, Richard |
| Publisher | Walter Sisulu University, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, Masters, MSc |
| Format | ix, 88 leaves, pdf |
| Rights | Walter Sisulu University |
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