Identification and Seasonal Occurrence of Butterfly Species in Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, North East Nigeria

Butterflies serve as important ecological indicators of habitat quality and environmental health, and their diversity reflects the condition of surrounding ecosystems. Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State is one of Nigeria's largest protected areas yet receives limited attention from entomological researchers relative to its vertebrate fauna. This study investigates the species composition and seasonal occurrence of butterflies within selected habitats of Yankari Game Reserve. Transect walks and net sampling will be conducted monthly over one year across savanna woodland, riparian strips, and open grassland habitats. Specimens will be identified using standard taxonomic references for West African Lepidoptera, and abundance data will be used to compute Shannon diversity indices. Seasonal variation in species richness will be examined in relation to rainfall data obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. Photographic records will supplement physical collections to minimize specimen impact. This study is among the first systematic butterfly surveys in Yankari, and results are expected to document between 60 and 90 species including potential range extensions for some taxa. The research will highlight the conservation significance of Yankari's invertebrate fauna and provide baseline data for long-term biodiversity monitoring. Recommendations will be directed at the Yankari Game Reserve management authority regarding butterfly-friendly habitat conservation. Keywords: butterfly diversity, Yankari Game Reserve, seasonal occurrence, savanna ecology, biodiversity indicators