Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication:
Neves MC, Tovar LR, Montanini G, Azevedo AF, Cunha HA, Lailson-Brito J, Bisi TL. Trophic ecology of Atlantic spotted dolphins (*Stenella frontalis*) in a tropical bay of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Global Ecology and Conservation. 2025 Sep 11:e03847. Abstract: Information on the trophic ecology of top predators such as cetaceans is critical for understanding their role in ecosystem structure. Furthermore, populations of the same species can exhibit different feeding ecologies, with intraspecific variation leading to unique dynamics. Atlantic spotted dolphins (*Stenella frontalis*) use Ilha Grande Bay, southeastern Brazil, as an important feeding area, with some individuals showing site fidelity. However, there is no previous information on the feeding ecology of this species in this region. Stable isotope analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in Atlantic spotted dolphins (n = 28) and their primary prey species (n = 8) was carried out to provide a better understanding of the feeding habits of these dolphins and the potential risks of ecosystem disturbances on their population dynamics. Mixing models indicated that teleost fishes from the Sciaenidae and Trichiuridae families contributed most to the diet of both sexes throughout the year. The models also indicated a foraging preference within a demersal habitat. The relative contributions of prey species to the diet were similar between the sexes. Still, females showed a broader isotopic niche area, greater isotopic diversity, and lower trophic redundancy than males. Thus, this study indicates a degree of similarity in the feeding ecology of female and male Atlantic spotted dolphins, but also reveals some segregation, either in foraging habitat selection or in prey selection. It also highlights the dietary preferences of commercially important species in the area, which may have conservation implications for these dolphins, either in terms of population health or dynamics. The paper can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03847 Best regards, Mariana --- Mariana Cappello Neves, Dr. Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA) Faculdade de Oceanografia - Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
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