Butterflies’ Diversity Indicates Habitat Quality in Magombera Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania

Butterfly diversity in Magombera Nature Forest Reserve (MNFR), Tanzania, serves as a sensitive indicator of habitat quality and forest recovery. The study recorded 155 butterfly species across six families, with closed forests exhibiting the highest species richness (105) and diversity (H' = 4.06), while grasslands showed the least (46 species, H' = 3.27). These findings suggest that MNFR is recovering from past disturbances following its upgrade to a nature reserve in 2018. The variation in vegetation composition appears to influence butterfly diversity, with closed forests and open woodlands supporting richer biodiversity than grasslands or riparian areas. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing management efforts by Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to maintain ecological balance within MNFR and between Udzungwa Mountain National Park and Selous Game Reserve.

Ndandika, F., Lyimo, P., & Mwakalukwa, E. (2025). Butterflies’ Diversity Indicates Habitat Quality in Magombera Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 14(5), 215–225. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.aff.20251405.15