iarjalsIARJALSIARJALS2708-5104https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjals.2022.v03i02.002Are Butterflies (Order: Lepidoptera) Suitable Indicators of Ecosystem Condition? A comparison of Lepidopteran Abundance, Species Composition and Distribution between Study Sites in Lochinvar National Park, Kafue Flats, ZambiaChansaChombaTokuraWataruSchool of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science P. O. Box 80415, Kabwe, ZambiaZambia Wildlife Authority, Monze, ZambiaThe distribution patterns and abundance of most pollinator species particularly lepidopterans are poorly documented despite their importance in providing ecosystem services. While these and other organisms are threatened by many aspects of the human enterprise (anthropogenic), climate change may currently be potentially the most severe threat to pollinator biodiversity. Mounting evidence now suggests that there have already been biotic responses to the relatively small climate changes that have occurred this century and butterflies have been depicted as significant indicator species owing to their sensitivity to slightest change in environmental factors. Their abundance in a habitat signals a healthy ecosystem. This study therefore, was conducted in Lochinvar National Park located on the Kafue Flats to collect baseline information about butterfly use of different habitats as indicators of the status of the ecosystem. Data were collected across the three seasons of the year (wet/rainy season-mid November to April; cool dry season-May to August, and hot and dry-mid August to mid-November) by visiting the 16 sites purposely selected because of all year round accessibility and all butterflies sighted on each visit were identified and recorded. A total of 96 butterflies were recorded that belonged to eight families, 37 genera with 57 species. Three families had the largest number of genera and species respectively; Lycaenidae 10 and 12, Pieridae nine  and 20, Nymphalidae  nine  and 12 while the family Danainae had only one genus and one species recorded.  Among the sites observed, the Parks offices recorded the highest number of genera and species, 17 and 21 followed by main gate with eight and nine respectively, while the remaining 14 had eight and less. Considering that the study area is in Agro-ecological Region I, it was assumed that the eight families recorded were fairly diverse, but more studies are required to cover a larger area and over a long period of time. Doing so, will enable management to monitor the response of the genera to the impacts of climate change and human disturbance to the butterfly habitats.