Orders and families of terrestrial arthropods from Gishanda and Kanyeganyege wetlands in Eastern Province of Rwanda

Wetlands are critical ecosystems providing ecological, economic, and social benefits to local communities. However, they are increasingly threatened by different kinds of human activities. This study assessed the effects of wetland use change on terrestrial arthropods in Kanyeganyege and Gishanda wetlands in Eastern Rwanda. Data were collected across line transects using hand searching, sweep-nets and pitfall traps. Collected specimens were identified to order and family levels using identification keys in the literature. A total of 3 665 individuals of arthropods belonging to 20 orders and 76 families were collected. Results showed that Kanyeganyege wetland dominated by rice farming harbored 2 259 individuals classified into 20 orders and 63 families, while Gishanda influenced by banana and maize cultivation, had 1 406 individuals distributed into 16 orders and 66 families. Formicidae were the most dominant family in both Gishanda and Kanyeganyege, making up over a third of all samples. Diversity indicated slightly higher taxa diversity in Gishanda (H’= 4.19) than in Kanyeganyege (H’=4.14), while rarefaction curves highlighted the need for further sampling, especially in Gishanda compared to Kanyeganyege. This research provides baseline data for wetland managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for sustainable wetland management to conserve arthropod biodiversity.