Agricultural input modifies trophic niche and basal energy source of a top predator across human-modified landscapes

Land-use conversion and resulting habitat fragmentation can affect the source(s) of primary productivity that fuels food webs alter their structure in ways leads to biodiversity loss. We investigated effects landscape modification on Araguaia River floodplain central Brazil using top predator, indicator species Caiman crocodilus (Crocodilia, Alligatoridae). measured carbon (δ 13 C) nitrogen 15 N) isotope values three tissues with different isotopic incorporation rates evaluate spatial temporal changes caiman niche width hierarchical Bayesian models accounted for use, intraspecific trait variation (sex body size), attributes (composition configuration). also δ C essential amino acids assess if producers are fueling aquatic natural anthropogenic areas. Spatial analysis showed agricultural areas had larger widths, which likely reflects some use terrestrial resources environments dominated by 4 plants. Patterns among were clearly between habitats. Overall, our findings suggest caimans persist heterogeneous landscapes fueled energy sources energy, has implications effectively managing such maximize biodiversity.