The Institute of Technology and Research (ITP) houses the Laboratory of Tropical Biology (LBT). Currently, the LBT conducts basic studies on environmental prospecting, population biology, conservation biology of regional biodiversity, and the development of applied studies and projects involving fish, reptiles, mammals, insects, and vector mollusks. It also investigates animal behavior, ichthyoparasitology, sanitation, and food safety in fish, environmental indicators, conservation biology, and environmental education. The areas of activity of the Laboratory of Tropical Biology are Ecology, Environmental Education, Animal Parasitology, Sanitation, and Food Safety in Fish. The LBT is coordinated by Dr. Rubens Riscala Madi, a researcher at ITP.
At the LBT, the team focuses on the study of vectors of parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and schistosomiasis. "Here, we study the population dynamics of different animals, with a special focus on vectors of parasitic diseases," explains Dr. Rubens Riscala Madi. Additionally, the laboratory investigates other population dynamics, particularly in fish, using the variation of the parasitic population as an environmental indicator and analyzing the influences of human activities on the environment.
Among the ongoing projects, the work of David Campos Andrade, a doctoral student, stands out. He is dedicated to studying the dynamics of leishmaniasis and the distribution of its vectors, the sandflies. "Recently, we were able to update the sandfly fauna in the state of Sergipe," shares David Campos Andrade. The results revealed the presence of 27 species widely distributed throughout the state, with the main vector present in all regions where visceral leishmaniasis occurs.
Douglas Aran, a master's student, focuses on studying animals killed by vehicle collisions in conservation units. His research involves mapping the areas with the highest occurrence of these incidents and analyzing the mitigation measures and their impacts in these areas. "The areas we are studying are of great importance to the state," emphasizes Douglas Arantes. He mentions that one of them is considered the largest Atlantic Forest preservation area, while the other is mainly known for tourism. The study aims to provide relevant information for the conservation of these areas and the reduction of animal roadkill.
Victoria Garcia, an undergraduate research student, is part of the project led by Janaína, a doctoral student in the laboratory. Her research project focuses on the parasitic population of fish, with an emphasis on analyzing population indices to determine if these animals were affected by the oil spill that occurred in 2019.
The Laboratory of Tropical Biology at ITP plays a fundamental role in advancing scientific knowledge, particularly regarding parasitic diseases and the interactions between animals and the environment. Through innovative research and collaborative partnerships, the LBT seeks to contribute to the conservation of environmental health and the promotion of effective disease control strategies.
