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Changes in Brazilian Drosophilidae (Diptera) assemblages across an urbanisation gradient
Marco S Gottschalk1, Daniela C De Toni, Vera L S Valente
1Lab de Drosophila, Depto Genética, Univ Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. gotts007@yahoo.com
Neotropical Entomology
|February 5, 2008
Summary
Urbanisation alters Drosophilidae (fruit fly) assemblages in Florianópolis, Brazil. Exotic species increased in urban areas, while native Drosophila capricorni decreased, impacting species richness and evenness.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Urban Ecology
- Entomology
Background:
- Urbanisation significantly impacts biodiversity, altering species composition and abundance.
- Drosophilidae (fruit flies) are sensitive indicators of environmental changes, including urbanisation.
- Understanding insect responses to urban gradients is crucial for conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterise Drosophilidae assemblages across an urbanisation gradient in Florianópolis, South Brazil.
- To investigate the shifts in species dominance and abundance in response to varying urbanisation levels.
- To analyse the relationship between urbanisation, species richness, evenness, and diversity.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of Drosophilidae over two consecutive years (2000-2003) across four sites with differing urbanisation levels.
- Analysis of species assemblages, including relative abundance and richness of native and exotic species.
- Calculation and correlation of diversity indices (e.g., Shannon index) with evenness and richness.
Main Results:
- A clear shift in dominant Drosophilidae species along the urbanisation gradient was observed.
- Exotic species showed increased relative abundance in highly urbanised areas.
- Native species, particularly Drosophila capricorni, exhibited a significant decrease in relative abundance, while richness increased in less urbanised sites, likely due to urban gardens.
Conclusions:
- Urbanisation drives significant changes in Drosophilidae community structure, favouring exotic species.
- The decline of native Drosophila capricorni highlights its sensitivity to urban environmental pressures.
- While overall diversity remained stable, the underlying evenness and richness patterns varied with urbanisation, indicating complex ecological responses.