Spatiotemporal evaluation of functional responses of ichthyofauna to river damming: case studies in Batalha (upper Paraná basin) and Complex Simplício/Anta (Paraíba do Sul basin)

• Grant number: 23/11145-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: January 02, 2024
• End date: January 01, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Igor Paiva Ramos
• Grantee: Alini Beloto Parra
• Supervisor: David Joseph Hoeinghaus
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of North Texas, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/07551-9 - Spatiotemporal evaluation of functional responses of ichthyofauna and non-native species to river damming: case studies in Batalha (Upper Paraná basin) and Simplício (Paraíba do Sul basin) reservoirs, BP.DR

Abstract

Among the human activities with a potential threat to aquatic biodiversity, dams stand out. These undertakings are of great importance for electricity generation in Brazil and can significantly affect fish assemblages, possibly causing changes in functional diversity. Thus, studies that integrate functional diversity metrics are recommended for assessing the influence of human actions on the biota, as they more effectively evaluate problems related to the functioning of communities, being a better option for understanding ecosystem processes. Thus, we will test the following hypothesis: 1) the formation of the Batalha Reservoir and the Simplício/Anta Complex caused changes in the functional diversity of their respective ichthyofaunas. For this, we will use an approach of functional diversity indices (functional diversity ², FRic, FEve, FDiv, FDis, FRed, and CWM). All analyses will be performed in the R environment, considering temporal and spatial modifications. As a result of this proposal, it is expected to reinforce the importance of functional diversity analyses to assess the influence of human actions on the environment and establish a scientific partnership between institutions. Also, contribute to scientific development by the publication of scientific articles in journals with good international visibility, thus providing information that supports decision-makers and managers of aquatic environments. (AU)