ARCHIVES
VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Diversity and abundance of butterfly (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) fauna in golden mining sites of Minkebe region, Gabon
Authors
Aubin A Koumba, Emelie A Apinda-Legnouo, Christophe R Zinga-Koumba, Rodrigue Mintsa, Jacques F Mavoungou
Abstract
Butterflies are the most well-known insects
found in all parts of the world. They are excellent indicators of changes in
environmental impacts on biodiversity. In Gabon, this group is understudied,
particularly in industrial sites. This study aims to quantify the abundance and
species richness of butterflies in the gold mining sites of Minkebe for their
conservation. Data was collected from April to May 2023 (rainy season) using
the line transect method in three study sites with sweep nets (n=2) and butterfly
traps (n=7). A total of 1063 individuals representing 143 species and 43 genera
belonging to 10 families were recorded during the study. Butterflies were
represented by the families of Nymphalidae, comprising 104 species; Pieridae,
with 11 species; Papilionidae, with 8 species; Lycaenidae, with 7 species;
Saturniidae and Sphingidae, with 4 species each; Geometridae, with 2 species;
Erebidae, Eupterotidae, and Riodinidae, with 1 species each. Nymphalidae was
the most dominant butterfly family, accounting for 104 species (73%) of the
total butterflies captured, while Erebidae, Eupterotidae, and Riodinidae were
the least abundant families. Among the 143 species recorded, 10 were very
common, 13 were common, 79 were rare, and 40 were very rare. Regarding species
richness and composition, Minkebe site had the greatest diversity with 80
species and 36 genera, while Cratere-Mikouka site had the lowest species
composition with 61 species and 25 genera. Overall, the study region was found
to be rich in butterfly diversity across all three study sites. Therefore, it
is necessary to protect Lepidoptera biodiversity of Minkebe forest massif.
Download
Pages:152-159
How to cite this article:
Aubin A Koumba, Emelie A Apinda-Legnouo, Christophe R Zinga-Koumba, Rodrigue Mintsa, Jacques F Mavoungou "Diversity and abundance of butterfly (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea) fauna in golden mining sites of Minkebe region, Gabon". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 152-159
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.