Abundance and Behavior of Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa spp.) in Urban Green Spaces of Abuja, FCT, North Central Nigeria

Carpenter bees are ecologically important pollinators and are among the most visible large-bodied bees in Nigerian urban environments. Despite their prominence, little is documented about their occurrence, nesting behavior, and seasonal activity in Nigeria's capital city. This study investigates the abundance, nesting preferences, and foraging behavior of Xylocopa species in urban parks and institutional green spaces in Abuja. Systematic transect counts and nest site surveys will be conducted over ten months across five green space categories: public parks, university campuses, residential compounds, roadside plantings, and government ministry gardens. Nest characteristics including wood type, nest orientation, and diameter will be recorded. Foraging observations will document plant species visited and daily activity windows. Population estimates will be derived from mark-recapture using colored paint dots applied to individual bees. This study provides baseline data on urban pollinator ecology in Nigeria's purpose-built capital, where rapid urban development may affect pollinator habitats. Results are expected to identify Xylocopa flavorufa and X. olivacea as common species in Abuja green spaces. The findings will inform recommendations for incorporating bee-friendly planting schemes into the FCT Development Control Master Plan. Keywords: Xylocopa, carpenter bees, urban pollinators, Abuja FCT, nesting behavior