Studies on the Insect Fauna Diversity Atgullele Botanical Garden in Wet, Intermedaite and Dry Seasons

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2010-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

Gullele Botanic Garden contains diverse types of insects. The diversity, distribution, frequency, density, abundance and habitat association of these insects were investigated using 60 quadrants which is located at different habitat types and transect walk methods during the wet, intermediate and dry seasons. The mean comparisons of Gullele Botanic Garden showed that the presence of insects in large quantity both in wet seasons and natural habitats. From the total of 7593 insects collected, 64 families of insects in Gullele Botanic Garden were recorded. In all seasons more evenness and diversity of insects were observed in the natural forest habitat. On the other hand, the least evenness and diversity of insects were observed in artificial forest habitats in all seasons. In the dry season, the minimum insect diversity and evenness was recorded in all forest habitats of Gullele Botanic Garden. Based on jaccard's similarity index, the highest similarity was observed between grassland forest habitat and mixed forest habitats in Gullele Botanic Garden. On the other hand, the lowest similarity was observed between mixed forest habitat and artificial forest habitat. Natural forest habitat in Gullele Botanic Garden showed the highest Margalef’s Richness Index value. The result of ch-square analysis showed that the highest habitat association was recorded in grassland habitat in wet and dry seasons, and mixed forest habitat in intermediate season. T test and analysis of variance (Anova) results for insect diversity revealed the presence of significance difference (variation) between seasons in Gullele Botanic Garden. Abundance of food, species of vegetation, and stability of the habitats, animal grazing and human activities determined insect diversity at the study areas. Investment activities and human settlement inside had the most detrimental effect to the insect diversity in the garden. During data collection in Gullele Botanic Garden, carefully observation showed that insects had both positive and negative effects for humans, plants, animals and insects.

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Biology

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