International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Cecilia Leweri, Fredrick Ojija

Abstract
This study assessed the impact of anthropogenic activities on the abundance, diversity and composition of insect species on Mt. Loleza forest reserve in Mbeya, Tanzania. Insects were collected in disturbed, less disturbed and undisturbed habitats using pitfall traps, sweep nets and beating sheets. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test and Kruskal Wallis. Shannon and Simpson diversities were compared using diversity t-test. Bray-Curtis similarity index was used to group families and species based on the number of individuals. In total, 3058 insect specimens belonging to 21 families and 40 species were collected. Insect abundance was highest in undisturbed habitats (50.10%). The Shannon diversity differed significantly between disturbed and undisturbed habitats (p < 0.05); and between less disturbed and undisturbed habitats (p < 0.05). Results of this study are vital toward effective conservation and management of the global insect species and other animals.