Ecological, behavioral and physiologic impact of the bioinvasion on native population: the case of the non-indigenous swimming crab Charybdis hellerii

• Grant number: 11/12824-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 01, 2011
• End date: January 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Egydio Barreto
• Grantee: Diogo Nunes de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ecological processes such as competition and predation has the potential to regulate populations, therefore influencing the functioning of the ecosystem through resource partitioning and species loss. These processes are directly related to density-dependent (DMII) or behavioral (TMII) indirect interactions. The addition of species in food webs, especially of exotic species can alter these ecological processes, which in turn will cause ripple effects, and is currently a major threat to marine biodiversity. This project will evaluate the hypothesis of bioinvasion impact on native communities. As animal model, we will use the invader crab Charybdis hellerii, which previous studies has showed to be a major competitor for resources in relation to native species. The potential deleterious effects of this invasive species will be investigated in order to assess the impacts of increasing introduction of exotic species mediated by human activity worldwide. To this will be evaluated (1) the occurrence and abundance of invasive species and the three main native species with overlapping niche (Cronius ruber, Menippe nodifrons and Callinectes danae) along the coast of São Paulo; (2) the existence of food niche overlap between native and exotic species; (3) behavioral interactions between these species; (4) the impact of density and diversity of consumers on prey populations; (5) the occurrence of physiological changes in the native species by the presence of invasive species. Thus, it is expected to contribute to increased knowledge of impacts generated by bioinvasion, providing support for the development of new research and action of administrative agencies responsible for conservation, sustainable management and use of our coastal areas. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

OLIVEIRA, Diogo Nunes de. Ecological, behavioral and physiological impacts of bioinvasion on native populations: the case of the invasive swiming crab Charybdis hellerii. 2016. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Biociências. Botucatu Botucatu.