Barbara Caroline Marcondes
One of the most fundamental questions in biology is: What does this animal eat? How do food web interactions work? Answering these questions helps us understand ecological relationships and the environmental requirements of a species. In aquatic ecosystems, where microscopic and small organisms dominate, food webs remain largely unexplored.
Chapada de Canga. © Tiago Leite Pezzuti.
Our research focuses on the Chapada de Canga (Minas Gerais state, Brazil), a unique ferruginous geosystem located in the southern Serra do Espinhaço—the only mountain range in Brazil—within the Quadrilátero Ferrífero. This ecosystem harbours exceptional biodiversity and has been identified as a conservation priority, particularly for amphibians. The canga lakes found in this region serve as crucial refuges for anurans, as natural water bodies are scarce elsewhere in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero. However, these lakes are highly threatened by mining activities such as pits, upstream tailings ponds, and waste rock piles, which can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and environmental disasters such as dam failures.
Tadpoles—the larval stage of anurans—play a key role in aquatic ecosystems. Yet, their ecological function remains poorly understood. In this study, we will conduct the first comprehensive investigation of the food web in these endangered habitats. By examining trophic interactions among tadpoles and other aquatic species, we aim to reveal species' ecological roles, dietary preferences, and the potential consequences of species loss on the entire ecosystem.
Our findings will provide critical insights into how present ecological dynamics might be affected in the future, particularly in response to environmental disturbances. This knowledge is essential for developing conservation strategies and ensuring the survival of these unique aquatic communities.