Assessment of Insect Faunal Diversity and Its Ecological Implications in a Managed Zoological Environment

Insects are among the most diverse and ecologically significant organisms, performing essential roles such as pollination, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and serving as food sources within terrestrial ecosystems. Their abundance and diversity also make them reliable indicators of environmental quality. In zoological parks, where natural ecosystems are artificially simulated, insect communities may influence habitat stability and animal health. This study assessed insect faunal diversity and examined its ecological implications across selected animal sections of T.A. Afolayan Wildlife Park, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling approach was employed across primate, aves, and reptile sections of the park between May and August 2025. Insects were collected using sweep nets, pitfall traps, light traps, hand collection, and direct observation. Collected specimens were preserved and identified using standard taxonomic keys. Biodiversity indices, including species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity, Simpson dominance, evenness, and Margalef indices, were computed to evaluate community structure. Physical environmental parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation were also analyzed to determine their influence on insect distribution. A total of 227 insect individuals representing 33 species across 8 orders were recorded. Diptera, Orthoptera, and Lepidoptera were the most dominant groups. The aves section exhibited the highest diversity and species richness, while the primate section recorded the lowest diversity. Environmental variables, particularly precipitation and relative humidity, showed strong associations with insect abundance and distribution. The findings highlight the ecological importance of insects in maintaining habitat balance within zoological parks while also emphasizing the potential health risks posed by pestiferous species. These results underscore the need for continuous insect monitoring and sustainable management practices in zoological environments.