Assessing species diversity and abundance in farm fallow: Seasonal dynamics across wet and dry seasons

Abstract

Nigeria is endowed with exceptional ecological diversity, which supports a broad spectrum of wildlife species. Despite this richness, escalating anthropogenic pressures have accelerated habitat loss. Ecologically valuable yet understudied landscapes, such as fallow farmlands, remain overlooked in biodiversity assessments and conservation planning. This study examines the potential for wildlife diversity in fallow farmlands. A systematic line transect was employed across 11 transects to record wildlife presence across wet and dry seasons. A total of 253 individual organisms representing 23 taxonomic families were documented, with avian species comprising the majority (60%), followed by insects (28%), mammals (9%), amphibians (2%), and reptiles (1%). Species abundance exhibited substantial seasonal variation, with higher abundance and variability during the wet season. Conversely, diversity indices (Shannon H′, Simpson’s 1-D) indicated a more even species distribution in the dry season. Overall, diversity was high (Shannon H′ = 2.839; Simpson’s 1-D = 0.9249), and low dominance values (Berger-Parker = 0.1462; dominance = 0.0751) affirmed the presence of a functionally balanced community. These findings highlight the ecological value of fallow farmlands as supplementary habitats that support diverse wildlife assemblages. Integrating fallow lands into conservation strategies through agroecological practices and biodiversity-sensitive land management can enhance habitat connectivity and resilience.