Effects of increasing structural complexity with allochthonous resources on food webs from dagraded streams

• Grant number: 13/02846-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: May 01, 2013
• End date: July 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Lilian Casatti
• Grantee: Mônica Ceneviva Bastos
• Supervisor: Kirk Owen Winemiller
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Texas A&M University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 11/11641-1 - Effects of increasing structural complexity in degraded streams: detritus dynamics, energy flow, and food webs, BP.PD

Abstract

In stream ecosystems, the removal of the riparian forest to agricultural practices has been leading to habitat simplification, which can lead to ecosystem function loss. Since most streams have been degraded due to human activities, stream restoration can be considered of prior importance and must include the protection of the spatial variability that supports biota diversity and its processes. In this context, the aim of this proposal is to understand if - and how - increments of structural heterogeneity with allochthonous resources influence food web structure on degraded streams. To achieve such aim, three degraded pasture streams were submitted to experimental manipulation in order to enhance structural heterogeneity and resources. Three stream reaches of 5 m each were selected: one that remained unaltered (control), other that was incremented with wood, and other that was incremented with wood and leaf packs. Samplings of fauna and flora were conducted at each stream reach before and after installing the structures (on July and October 2012), and treatments will be compared regarding their food web structure. The sampled material is in its final phase of identification and dietary analysis is also being conducted. After the analysis a three-month internship will be held at the Winemiller Aquatic Ecology Lab of Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas, EUA, to analyze and interpret food web data. Hence, the accomplishment of this project, along with the partnership with the Ph.D. Professor Kirk O. Winemiller, will contribute to the understanding of ecological processes in Tropical streams, representing an important contribution to future conservation and management actions. (AU)