Preliminary comparative overview of the diet of brown frogs’ tadpoles (Rana temporaria, Rana dalmatina, Rana graeca) (Anura: Ranidae) from several localities in the Republic of Serbia

The decline in consumer diversity in freshwater ecosystems is accelerating. Being both prey and predator in these ecosystems and dependent on aquatic habitats due to their complex life histories, amphibians are more vulnerable to pollution and global warming than other vertebrates. The primary aim of this study was to gather data on the nutritional types, feeding behaviors, and diets of tadpoles from several localities in the Republic of Serbia. A total of 572 tadpoles of Rana temporaria, Rana dalmatina, and Rana graeca were collected from ten localities and their intestinal contents analyzed. The results showed diverse diets within and among species. Algae, especially diatoms, were the dominant food items, followed by detritus and pollen. Some inorganic particles, including microplastics, were also detected, while animal prey was found only occasionally. These findings contribute to understanding tadpole nutrition and provide a basis for future studies on amphibian feeding ecology.