EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC DISTURBANCE ON FRUIT-FEEDING BUTTERFLY COMMUNITIES IN KILAK CENTRAL FOREST RESERVE, AMURU DISTRICT, UGANDA
Loading...
Date
2026-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Gulu University
Abstract
The global loss of natural forests due to anthropogenic activities has negatively impacted on fruit-feeding butterflies. In Uganda, for example, illegal logging and the conversion of forested land for agriculture have resulted in the loss of over one million hectares of forest in just two decades. As butterflies serve as important flagship species and bio-indicators in ecological studies, understanding of these impacts is crucial. This study aimed to assess the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on butterfly community composition and functional characteristics in Kilak Central Forest Reserve. A longitudinal research design was used to collect data on fruit-feeding butterflies and vegetation across four habitat types over six months to assess habitat-specific and seasonal variations in fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages. Data were collected using a standardized field protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Fruit-feeding butterflies were sampled using white cylindrical trap nets, and vegetation was assessed using 20x40m nested plots. Four univariate variables including; species richness, abundance, dominance and diversity were evaluated across four habitats and six sampling months. Overall differences in average univariate variables were tested with MANOVA and if significant difference was found, then each univariate was tested independently with ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test. Community compositions were visualised using Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and tested with Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). Functional trait characteristics were analysed at both individual and community levels using individual-level and species-level data respectively. The study recorded a total of 3,358 individuals belonging to 55 species across all habitats. Overall results revealed that primary forest exhibited the highest species richness, abundance, and functional traits measures throughout the sampling months. Metrics values decreased along the disturbance gradient from animal-grazed forest, cropland-encroached forest, and charcoal-degraded forest. Significant seasonal declines were detected across all habitats, with January and February recording the lowest values. Indicator value analysis identified Bicyclus anynana and Charaxes fulvescens as reliable indicators for monitoring primary forest conditions. Based on these findings, the study recommends NFA and the Government of Uganda to strengthen forest protection and management strategies to reduce illegal human activities in the Kilak Central Forest Reserve. Further studies should be conducted in neighbouring forest reserves to support the generalization of findings and accurately inform conservation policies in Uganda.