From algae to zooplankton: what Pelophylax kl. esculentus tadpoles eat in the Morava River Basin (Republic of Serbia)

Abstract

Anuran amphibians play a crucial role in aquatic and terrestrial food chains, attributable to their complex life cycle that requires diet and feeding strategies shifts. Examining the diet and trophic status of amphibians is essential for understanding population fluctuations, habitat alterations, life history, and the formulation of conservation strategies. The examination of anuran amphibian larvae diets provides valuable information regarding their foraging behaviors, nutritional requirements, and trophic relationships in aquatic ecosystems, alongside the dietary composition and diversity of the larvae. The green frog complex, Pelophylax kl. esculentus, is prevalent in Serbia; however, its dietary habits in both adults and larvae remain inadequately studied. An analysis of intestinal contents was conducted on 197 tadpole samples from 10 distinct localities in Serbia to gather data on the diet of green frog larvae. The findings indicate that the intestinal contents exhibit diversity, primarily comprising algae (including diatoms, Cyanobacteria, green algae, and euglenoids), detritus, pollen, protozoans (such as rotifers), other invertebrate remains, and inorganic matter. The findings provide important insights into the nutrition of anuran amphibian larvae and establish a basis for future, more extensive research