Inventory of Arthropod Fauna associated with three campus dump sites in AE-Funai, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the Arthropods fauna Inventory associated with three dump sites within AE Funai. Three sites: SA, SB, and SC were selected to sample insect specimen diversity and the relative abundance of arthropod species at the study sites.  The collection of insects was carried out by sweep net techniques, pitfall traps, hand-picking methods, and light traps. A total of 2474 insects belonging to sixteen (16) orders were found in the dump sites. Out of this number, 778 (31.45%) were collected from SA, 481(19.44%) were collected from SB, and 1215 (49.11%) were collected from SC. The result also showed that   Diptera (14.14%) had higher relative abundance in SB than SA and SC (7.58%, 6.50%) respectively. The result also revealed that Isoptera (8.32%) recorded higher relative abundance in SB than SA and SC (6.21%, 4.53%) respectively. The result showed that Hemiptera (0.91%), had the highest relative abundance in SC than SA, and SB (82.25%, 0.51%, 0.62%) respectively. The result further revealed that Orthoptera (0.82%) had higher relative abundance in SC than SA and SB (0.77%, 0.42%). However, the results revealed that Hymenoptera (85.19%) had the highest relative abundance in SC than SA and SB (82.25%, 74.01%) respectively.  There was a significant difference in the abundance of insect species in SA, SB, and SC (p=0.004). Dorylus sp. recorded the highest relative abundance (79.69%) in SA and SB, SC (70.69%, 76.71%) respectively. There was also a significant difference in the abundance of insect species in SA, SB, and SC (p=0.00).  The differences in insect composition between the sites highlight the ecological imbalance caused by human activities like waste dumping, leading to shifts in species dominance and ecosystem functioning. This study recommends that regular monitoring of insect populations at waste sites should be conducted to control dominant species like ants, which may indicate environmental stress or imbalances. Improved waste management could help reduce the environmental impact of such sites and promote greater species diversity.