Diversity of Butterflies in the Selected Key Biodiversity Areas of Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

Butterflies are important for pollination of many farm crops and forest species, biomass converter, agent of controlling weeds, source of drugs and genetic material for the development of new breeds. The study provided information on the species level-diversity, status and similarity of butterfly species composition in 4 selected Key Biodiversity areas of Mindanao at the eminent climate change. Data can be used for species monitoring, distribution, biogeography and conservation of butterflies in Mindanao, Philippines as climate change progresses. Belt transects, time constraint and transect walk sampling were employed in the study from February 2010 to April 2011. We captured a total of 247 identified butterfly species. Species diversity level using Shannon-Weiner index showed fair level in most of the sampling sites. Highest species richness was observed in Mt. Kitanglad H’1.959 (148 species), followed by Mt. Apo H’=1.755 (104 species), Mt. Timpoong H’=1.579 (79 species) lowest in Mt. Musuan H’=. Mt. Apo had the highest species endemism (42 0r 42 %). Endemism is higher in forest habitats in higher elevations. Bray-Curtis analysis showed that all study sites are unique habitats for butterflies. The results suggest further monitoring to carefully analyze the diversity and status of butterflies.  Keywords - Butterfly, diversity, Key Biodiversity Areas