Biodiversity, family income and ecological niche: A study on the consumption of animal foods on Búzios Island (Brazil)

This study focuses on the diversity of animal food consumed at Búzios Island (São Paulo State, Brazil). Data on diet of 12 randomly chosen families were collected in monthly samples of meals over a period of one year. Simpson indices were calculated for animal foods (as a measure of niche breadth) and for fish catches. We found that, in some months, the animal foods in the diets of families conform to predictions from the ecological theory of niche. Market prices of fish and of animal food also have influence on the niche of families. Some families with high income tend to have a narrow niche, concentrate on appreciated food and consume relatively more calories. Food diversity on Búzios is somewhat higher than in other human communities, probably due to the unpredictable environment found in maritime fishing communities.

Key words:

• diet
• food
• biodiversity
• diversity
• niche
• fishing