Assessing ecosystem vulnerability to invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)

Despite the widespread introduction of nonnative species and the heterogeneity of ecosystems in their sensitivity to ecological impacts, few studies have assessed ecosystem vulnerability to the entire invasion process, from arrival to establishment and impacts. Our study addresses this challenge by presenting a probabilistic, spatially explicit approach to predicting ecosystem vulnerability to species invasions. Using the freshwater-rich landscapes of Wisconsin, USA, we model invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) as a function of exposure risk (i.e., likelihood of introduction and establishment of O. rusticus based on a species distribution model) and the sensitivity of the recipient community (i.e., likelihood of impacts on native O. virilis and O. propinquus based on a retrospective analysis of population changes). Artificial neural networks predicted that approximately 10% of 4200 surveyed lakes (n = 388) and approximately 25% of mapped streams (23 523 km total length) are suitable for O. rusticus introduction and establishment. A comparison of repeated surveys before vs. post-1985 revealed that O. virilis was six times as likely and O. propinquus was twice as likely to be extirpated in streams invaded by O. rusticus, compared to streams that were not invaded. Similarly, O. virilis was extirpated in over three-quarters of lakes invaded by O. rusticus compared to half of the uninvaded lakes, whereas no difference was observed for O. propinquus. We identified 115 lakes (approximately 3% of lakes) and approximately 5000 km of streams (approximately 6% of streams) with a 25% chance of introduction, establishment, and extirpation by O. rusticus of either native congener. By identifying highly vulnerable ecosystems, our study offers an effective strategy for prioritizing on-the-ground management action and informing decisions about the most efficient allocation of resources. Moreover, our results provide the flexibility for stakeholders to identify priority sites for prevention efforts given a maximum level of acceptable risk or based on budgetary or time restrictions. To this end, we incorporate the model predictions into a new online mapping tool with the intention of closing the communication gap between academic research and stakeholders that requires information on the prospects of future invasions.     

Individual based model of slug population and spatial dynamics

The slug, Deroceras reticulatum, is one of the most important pests of agricultural and horticultural crops in UK and Europe. In this paper, a spatially explicit individual based model (IbM) is developed to study the dynamics of a population of D. reticulatum. The IbM establishes a virtual field within which slug spatial dynamics and changes in abundance were simulated. The strong dependence of slug behaviour on environmental conditions is built into the model, which is based upon previous work on the environmental dependence of slug population dynamics. The simulation results show that the IbM described well changes in the slug population. The IbM proved capable of describing slug populations over 3.5 years, including the presence, magnitude and duration of D. reticulatum population crashes within this period. Moreover, the model was capable of reproducing slug population dynamics at two sites, with distinct weather and some 100 km apart, with minor changes in initialisation values but no change in model structure and parameter values. A study of field heterogeneity, which might simulate various field designs, indicated the importance of spatial structuring to slug population dynamics and the utility of the IbM for simulating a range of potential spatial management treatments for slug control to maximise crop yield. This IbM system performs well and is currently being used as part of an integrated approach to predict slug population dynamics and control in the UK.     

Effects of photoperiod on photosynthetic characteristics and quality of Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall.) Kuntze in a plant factory北大核心CSCD

为探究光周期对番杏[Tetragonia tetragonoides(Pall.)Kuntze]生长及品质的影响,利用植物工厂中光源高度可控的优势对番杏进行不同光照时间(8、10、12、14、16 h)处理,测定分析番杏的生长、光合特性及营养品质.结果表明:(1)番杏各农艺性状随光照时间延长而增长,在光照时间14 h与16 h处理之间未呈显著性差异(P<0.05);(2)适宜光周期有利于光合色素积累,在16 h处理下叶绿素a、总叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量最大,叶绿素b含量则在14 h光照时最大;净光合速率(P_(n))、蒸腾速率(T_(r))和气孔导度(G_(s))随光照时间延长上升,其中净光合速率在14 h与16 h光照之间变化不显著,胞间CO_(2)(C_(i))则呈先降后升的趋势;光周期变化对最大光化学效率F_(v)/F_(m)与光化学淬灭系数q_(P)未造成显著影响,非光化学淬灭系数NPQ随光照时间延长呈先降后升的趋势,14-16 h光照处理之间变化不显著,电子传递效率ETR则随光周期延长而降低;(3)不同光周期对番杏各营养成分含量的影响有所差异,可溶性蛋白变化差异较小,硝酸盐随光照时间延长而降低,14 h光照下可溶性糖含量最大.本研究表明14-16 h光照处理有利于番杏生长和营养物质积累.(图5表2参37)     

全氟辛烷磺酸(PFOS)对斑马鱼血浆和组织匀浆中卵黄蛋白原含量的影响

为了研究低剂量的全氟辛烷磺酸(perfluorooctane sulfonate,PFOS)对水生生物的内分泌干扰效应和作用机制,考察了PFOS对斑马鱼(Brachydanio rerio)血浆和组织匀浆中卵黄蛋白原(vitellogenin,VTG)含量的影响。将雄性和雌性斑马鱼分别暴露于0.1、1、10和100μg·L-1的PFOS中进行21d毒性实验,染毒结束后分别检测雄鱼和雌鱼的血浆、头尾组织匀浆液和全鱼匀浆液中的VTG含量。结果显示:(1)PFOS暴露可引起斑马鱼血浆、全鱼和头尾匀浆液中VTG含量的升高,VTG含量的排序为雌鱼(血浆>>全鱼匀浆>头尾匀浆)>>雄鱼(血浆>全鱼匀浆>>头尾匀浆);(2)PFOS暴露所引起的雄鱼血浆和头尾匀浆中VTG含量的升高与剂量呈负相关关系,暴露浓度为0.1μg·L-1时与对照组相比有显著性差异(p<0.05);(3)雌鱼血浆和头尾匀浆中VTG含量的升高与剂量呈倒U型曲线关系,暴露浓度为10μg·L-1时与对照组相比有显著性差异(p<0.05);(4)雄鱼和雌鱼的全鱼匀浆液中的VTG含量与对照组相比均无显著性差异。研究结果表明,PFOS暴露对斑马鱼的内分泌干扰作用明显,其毒性作用机制可能是类雌激素效应,血液和头尾匀浆液中VTG含量能够作为PFOS内分泌干扰效应评价的敏感生物标志物,但响应曲线可能因性别和组织部位的不同有所差异。     

Effect of salinity on the predatory performance of Diplonychus rusticus (Fabricius)

Predatory efficiency of Diplonychus rusticus (Fabricius) was recorded at different prey density with different salinity ranges. When the salinity level (ppt) was increased, the predation rate of the bug decreased. Fifth nymphal stage showed higher predation in the 2, 4 and 6 ppt levels of salinityin both 1 hr and 24 hr period of exposure at prey densities 50, 100, 150 and 200. At prey density 150, adult bugs killed more prey in the 2 ppt level of salinity in both lhr and 24 hr treatments.     

The reproductive behavior and energetics of male gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) breeding on a land-fast ice substrate

The reproductive behavior of male gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) breeding on land-fast ice at Amet Island, Nova Scotia, was studied. Data on energy expenditure (rate of mass loss over time) were collected. The average time budget of males at Amet Island was comparable to that of land-breeding males. The behavior of males showed seasonal changes, with a decrease in the proportion of time spent in the water and an increase in agonistic behavior during the peak mating period. The estimated amount of body mass lost over the season ranged between 25.6 and 77.1 kg, and the estimated percent of initial body mass lost ranged between 7.7 and 26.5% (n=10). The maximum number of observed copulations for an individual male was nine. Only 15 out of 42 males observed during 1992 and 1993 were seen copulating. The number of observed copulations per male was strongly correlated with success in remaining close to, or attending, females (r=0.91, P<0.001, n=42). The mean duration of attendance was 4.5 ± 5.54 days (n=42). Large size was not an important factor in determining attendance success, but reproductive effort (the estimated proportion of body mass lost over the season) and success in agonistic interactions with other males were both correlated with male success.     

Moisture as a determinant of habitat quality for a nonbreeding neotropical migratory songbird

Identifying the determinants of habitat quality for a species is essential for understanding how populations are limited and regulated. Spatiotemporal variation in moisture and its influence on food availability may drive patterns of habitat occupancy and demographic outcomes. Nonbreeding migratory birds in the neotropics occupy a range of habitat types that vary with respect to moisture. Using carbon isotopes and a satellite-derived measure of habitat moisture, we identified a moisture gradient across home ranges of radio-tracked Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis). We used this gradient to classify habitat types and to examine whether habitat moisture correlates with overwinter mass change and spring departure schedules of Northern Waterthrush over the late-winter dry season in the tropics. The two independent indicators of moisture revealed similar gradients that were directly proportional to body mass change as the dry season progressed. Birds occupying drier habitats declined in body mass over the study period, while those occupying wetter habitats increased in body mass. Regardless of habitat, birds lost an average of 7.6% of their mass at night, and mass recovery during the day trended lower in dry compared with wet habitats. This suggests that daily incremental shortfalls in mass recovery can lead to considerable season-long declines in body mass. These patterns resulted in consequences for the premigratory period, with birds occupying drier habitats having a delayed rate of fat deposition compared with those in wet habitats. Taken together with the finding that males, which are significantly larger than females, are also in better condition than females regardless of habitat suggests that high-quality habitats may be limited and that there may be competition for them. The habitat-linked variation in performance we observed suggests that habitat limitation could impact individual and population-level processes both during and in subsequent periods of the annual cycle. The linkage between moisture and habitat quality for a migratory bird indicates that the availability of high-quality habitats is dynamic due to variation in precipitation among seasons and years. Understanding this link is critical for ascertaining the impact of future climate change, particularly in the Caribbean basin, where a much drier future is predicted.     

Environmental variability and fledging body mass of Common Guillemot Uria aalge chicks

To gain a better understanding of population processes and in the light of the critically endangered status of the Common Guillemot Uria aalge in Norway, we investigate which environmental factors might affect the fitness of guillemot chicks as they depart from the nest site over a 16-year period on a colony in NE Norway. Although prey composition did not seem to influence the fledging body mass of the chicks, there were significant relationships between the yearly variations in chick body mass and abundance of two important prey species (1-group herring Clupea harengus that is an important chick food item and 0-group cod Gadus morhua that is an important adult food item), population size and the sea surface temperature around the colony. The positive influence of young herring and cod on Common Guillemot chick mass occurred during a period of warming in the Barents Sea such that future recruitment into the population will depend partly on the long-term changes in ocean climate in the region.     

唐鱼卵黄蛋白原的诱导、纯化与鉴定

为探讨利用雄性唐鱼(Tanichthys albonubes)卵黄蛋白原(Vitellogenin,Vtg)作为生物标志物检测环境雌激素的可行性,采用浸浴法用50μg·L-117β-雌二醇(E2)对雄性唐鱼进行染毒,30d后将鱼体整体匀浆进行常规聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(Native-PAGE)以分析Vtg的产生;并采用Mg2+-EDTA选择性沉淀和Q Sepharose阴离子交换层析对Vtg进行分离纯化.结果表明,E2诱导下,雄性唐鱼产生了雌性特异蛋白Vtg,并且可在体内积累;利用Mg2+-EDTA选择性沉淀和Q Sepharose阴离子交换层析的两步纯化方法可分离纯化唐鱼整体匀浆Vtg;经Native-PAGE鉴定,确定唐鱼Vtg的分子量为440kDa.以上结果提示,雄性唐鱼Vtg可以作为环境雌激素监测的有效生物学标记物。     

水分和氮素供应对菠菜硝酸盐累积和钾素吸收的影响

研究了水分和氮素供应对露地秋菠菜的硝酸盐累积和钾、氮吸收的影响。结果表明：与传统的水氮管理措施相比，采用水分平衡法和氮素专家系统进行的水氮供应并没有造成作物减产，但对钾、氮元素的吸收却有明显的影响，同氮素吸收相比，作物对钾素的吸收数量更高；并且作物对钾、氮的吸收比例随氮素供应水平的增加而降低，试验还动态监测了菠菜最新展开叶的叶柄汁液中的硝酸盐和K^ 浓度在一天内的变化情况。结果表明，不同水氮处理的菠菜叶柄汁液的硝酸盐浓度在白天均没有发生显著变化；叶柄汁液中的K^ 浓度和NO3^-／K^ 的浓度比在白天受氮素供应水平的影响很大，供氮量高，K^ 浓度和NO3^-／K^ 浓度比的变化也大，但受灌水量影响不大。图3表2参17。     

Climate-induced reaction norms for life-history traits in pythons

Climate change modelers predict increasingly frequent "extreme events," so it is critical to quantify whether organismal responses (such as reproductive output) measured over the range of usual climatic conditions can predict responses under more extreme conditions. In a 20-year field study on water pythons (Liasis fuscus), we quantified the effects of climatically driven annual variation in food supply on demographic traits of female pythons (feeding rate, body size, body mass, and reproductive output). Reaction norms linking food supply to feeding rates and residual body mass were broadly linear, whereas norms linking food supply to female body size became curvilinear when a dramatic (flooding-induced) famine reduced the mean body size at sexual maturity. Thus, the reaction norms recorded over 16 years of mal" (albeit highly variable) climatic conditions gave little insight into the population's response to a more extreme nutritional crisis.     

Seasonality of feeding and nutritional status during the austral winter in the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri

The seasonal pattern of food intake and tissue energy status was measured over a 2 year period for two populations of the common Antarctic echinoid Sterechinus neumayeri living on contrasting substrata at Rothera Point, Adelaide Island, Antarctica. Food intake was estimated from faecal egestion, and both tissue mass and energy content assessed. Food availability was intensely seasonal, in that water column chlorophyll content and sediment pigment content varied markedly throughout the year. In response, both urchin populations showed an extremely seasonal cycle of faecal egestion, indicating a strong seasonality of feeding activity. Urchins from North Cove living on soft sediment fed at a considerably higher rate, and had a significantly larger Aristotle's lantern, than those in South Cove, 1 km away, living on hard substrata and taking a more cosmopolitan diet. Faecal egestion in both populations was zero for a 7 month period in the austral winter of 1997, and again for a 4 month period in 1998. During the austral summer of 1997/1998, 84% of the total annual energy intake took place in the period January to March. Significant decrease in gut tissue mass provided energy for maintenance in early winter, although progressive reduction of both gonad energy content (but without a detectable change in gonad mass) and body wall organic mass provided energy during the late winter period. The mass of reproductive tissue showed large differences between the two sites, but there was no marked decrease associated with spawning. Tissue proximate composition was assessed stoichiometrically from elemental composition and also checked by direct assay; gonad tissue was richer in lipid than gut tissue, though both were dominated by protein and contained only small amounts of carbohydrate. These data suggest that the very strong seasonality of food intake does not pose a significant energetic challenge for this species.     

EDU对臭氧胁迫下菠菜急性伤害症状和光合特性的影响

如何减轻近地层臭氧(O3)体积分数持续升高对作物的影响是污染生态学研究的热点之一。运用改进的开顶式气室(open-top chambers,OTCs)装置,对嘉兴尖叶、嘉兴圆叶和荷兰35三种菠菜(Spinacia oleracea L.)进行连续5 d,每天8 h的臭氧急性暴露处理,且在暴露前24 h喷施300 mg.L-1质量浓度抗氧化剂ethylenediurea(EDU),研究EDU对臭氧胁迫下菠菜急性伤害症状及光合特性的影响。结果表明:(1)菠菜暴露于高体积分数O3时,叶片出现失水干枯、坏死斑等急性伤害症状,光合色素含量、气体交换参数和光响应参数显著降低,且下降幅度和暴露体积分数呈正相关。(2)菠菜经EDU处理后,光合特性参数明显提高。对O3和EDU作双因子分析发现,随着臭氧体积分数升高,EDU对叶片气体交换参数的影响显著,而对其他参数的影响不明显。由此可见,尽管EDU的防护作用对高体积分数的O3胁迫是有限的,但喷施EDU仍能有效减轻O3对植物的伤害,这对缓解农田生态系统O3污染灾害有积极意义。     

Assessment of drain water receiving effluent from tanneries and its impact on soil and plants with particular emphasis on bioaccumulation of heavy metals

In the present study, impact of tannery and other industrial effluents on the physico-chemical characteristics of loamy drain water and their consequent impact on soil and plants irrigated with effluent have been studied. The study reveals most of the parameter pH, BOD5 and COD at sampling station I was higher than station II. Waste water quality at both Stations I and II exceeded prescribed limits (BIS) for safe disposal of effluents into the surface water Samples of soil and vegetables from the land irrigated with loamy drain water has been collected and analyzed for Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr Pb and Cd. The different metals showed different enrichment factor for loamy drain water irrigated soil and are as follows: Cd 30% (max), Pb 26%, Zn 18%, Cr 5%, Cu 5%, Ni 2% (min). For plant samples collected at polluted sites are Ni 46% spinach (whole plant) (max), Zn 42% spinach (whole plant), Cr 39% spinach (whole plant), Cu 33% spinach (whole plant), Pb 20% potato tuber, Cd 20% potato tuber (min). The levels of Zn 145, Cu 5.25, and Ni 39.25 microg/ g in spinach, Pb 29.25, Cr 38. 25 and Cd 3.2 microg/g in potato tuber grown on polluted soil irrigated with contaminated drain water were found more than the reference value, which may create chronic health hazard problem to human and cattle through food chain in long run. Accumulation of toxic heavy metals may be build up in the agriculturally productive land where it is treated with contaminated effluent enrich with metals in turn bio-concentrated in the edible fodder/plants.     

Effects of fly ash, Pseudomonas striata and Rhizobium on the reproduction of nematode Meloidogyne incognita and on the growth and transpiration of pea

Glasshouse experiments were conducted twice to assess the ash amendments (0, 20, and 40% with soil), a phosphate solubilizing microorganism Pseudomonas striata and a root-nodule bacterium Rhizobium sp on the reproduction of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and on the growth and transpiration of pea. Amendments of fly ash with soil had no effect on transpiration. However, M. incognita reduced the rate of transpiration from 1st week onward after inoculation while inoculation of Rhizobium sp and P. striata increased transpiration from 1st week onward after their inoculation both in nematode inoculated and uninoculated plants. Increase in transpiration was greater when both organisms were inoculated together. Addition of 20 and 40% fly ash with soil was beneficial for plant growth both in nematode inoculated and uninoculated plants. Inoculation of above organisms also increases plant growth of nematode inoculated and uninoculated plants in different fly ash soil mixture but increase in growth was greater when both organisms were inoculated together. Use of 20% fly ash increased galling and nematode multiplication over plants grown in without fly ash while 40% fly ash had adverse effect on galling and nematode multiplication. Rhizobium sp had greater adverse effect on galling and nematode multiplication than P. striata. Use of both organisms together had greater adverse effect on galling and nematode multiplication than caused by either of them alone. Highest reduction in galling and nematode multiplication was observed when both organisms were used in 40% fly ash amended soil. However, highest transpiration was observed in plants without nematodes and inoculated with both organisms together both in with or without fly ash amended soil.     

溴化1-丁基-3-甲基咪唑离子液体在空心菜中的吸收积累特性及其毒理效应

通过营养液水培的方式,研究了在不同浓度溴化1-丁基-3-甲基咪唑([C4mim]Br)对空心菜的毒性效应,测定了[C4mim]Br对空心菜各生长指标、叶绿素含量、丙二醛(MAD)含量以及根系活力的变化情况,同时研究了空心菜对[C4mim]Br的吸收和体内积累特征。结果表明:随着[C4mim]Br处理浓度与培养时间的增加,[C4mim]Br对空心菜各生理生化指标有显著抑制作用,且抑制效应具有剂量依赖型特点,半最大效应浓度(EC_(50))值为1.64 mg·L~(-1)。空心菜体内丙二醛含量显著增加表明[C4mim]Br加剧了细胞膜受损,导致根系对[C4mim]Br的吸收积累能力下降。空心菜的富集系数与转运系数均小于1,表明空心菜可以从环境中吸收并积累[C4mim]Br,但从根到地上部分转运[C4mim]Br能力较弱。     

6种蔬菜对施用含砷禽畜粪土壤中砷的吸收

由于现代集约化养殖业普遍使用有机胂制剂,禽畜粪中往往含有一定的砷(As).在水稻土中分别以2%和4%(w/w)比例施入含As鸡粪和猪粪及无机肥(N:0.2g·kg-1;P2O5;0.1g·kg-1;K2O:0.15g·kg-1(以干土计)),以不施肥为对照进行菜心、小白菜、油麦、茼蒿、苋菜和通菜6种蔬菜盆栽试验,研究比较含As禽畜粪施入土壤后蔬菜对土壤中As的吸收累积情况.结果表明,1)整体上施用鸡粪处理蔬菜生物量高于无机肥处理,而施用猪粪处理除通菜外5种蔬菜生物量均低于无机肥处理.2)施肥可降低除通菜外的5种蔬菜As含量,而施用鸡、猪粪可显著提高通菜As含量.3)菜心、小白菜、油麦和茼蒿地上部As含量与其生物量呈显著负相关(p<0.05,p<0.01);苋菜也表现为负相关,但未达到显著;通菜则表现为显著正相关(p<0.01).4)菜心、小白菜、油麦和茼蒿As吸收量整体表现为施用鸡粪>无机肥>猪粪≈不施肥;苋菜表现为无机肥>不施肥>鸡、猪粪;通菜则表现为鸡、猪粪>无机肥≈不施肥.整体上通菜As吸收量高于其他5种蔬菜.5)施肥可降低除通菜外5种蔬菜As吸收系数,而施用鸡、猪粪可显著提高通菜As吸收系数.建议含As禽畜粪在通菜上尽量少施.     

Effect of biosolid hydrochar on toxicity to earthworms and brine shrimp

The hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge has been studied as an alternative technique for the conversion of sewage sludge into value-added products, such as soil amendments. We tested the toxicity of biosolid hydrochar (Sewchar) to earthworms. Additionally, the toxicity of Sewchar process water filtrate with and without pH adjustment was assessed, using brine shrimps as a model organism. For a Sewchar application of 40 Mg ha^?1, the earthworms significantly preferred the side of the vessel with the reference soil (control) over side of the vessel with the Sewchar treatments. There was no acute toxicity of Sewchar to earthworms within the studied concentration range (up to 80 Mg ha^?1). Regarding the Sewchar process water filtrate, the median lethal concentration (LC50) to the shrimps was 8.1% for the treatments in which the pH was not adjusted and 54.8% for the treatments in which the pH was adjusted to 8.5. The lethality to the shrimps significantly increased as the amount of Sewchar process water filtrate increased. In the future, specific toxic substances in Sewchar and its process water filtrate, as well as their interactions with soil properties and their impacts on organisms, should be elucidated. Additionally, it should be identified whether the amount of the toxic compounds satisfies the corresponding legal requirements for the safe application of Sewchar and its process water filtrate.     

多氯联苯对孔雀鱼卵黄蛋白原的诱导及检测

为探讨利用孔雀鱼(Poecilia reticulata)卵黄蛋白原(Vitellogenin,Vtg)作为生物标志物检测环境雌激素的可行性,采用浸浴法分别使用17β-雌二醇(E2)和多氯联苯(PCBs)对雄性孔雀鱼成鱼进行染毒,30d后测定其性腺系数(GSI)和肝指数(LSI),并将鱼体整体匀浆进行常规聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(Native-PAGE)及磷、脂和糖蛋白特异染色分析.结果表明,PCBs对雄性孔雀鱼具有雌激素效应,和E2均可以诱导雄性孔雀鱼体内产生Vtg,但诱导组雄鱼GSI及LSI与对照组比较均无显著性差异(p>0.05).Native-PAGE及磷、脂、糖蛋白特异性分析表明,孔雀鱼Vtg是一种富含磷、脂、糖的蛋白,具有VtgⅠ、VtgⅡ和VtgⅢ等3种形式,其分子量分别为642kDa、541kDa和441kDa.雄性孔雀鱼Vtg可作为环境雌激素监测的有效生物标记物.     

Assessing Habitat Quality for a Migratory Songbird Wintering in Natural and Agricultural Habitats

Abstract:  As tropical forests are cleared, a greater proportion of migratory songbirds are forced to winter in agricultural and disturbed habitats, which, if poorer in quality than natural forests, could contribute to population declines. We compared demographic indicators of habitat quality for a focal species, the American Redstart ( Setophaga ruticilla ), wintering in Jamaican citrus orchards and shade coffee plantations with those in four natural habitats: mangrove, coastal scrub, coastal palm, and dry limestone forests. Demographic measures of habitat quality included density, age and sex ratio, apparent survival, and changes in body mass. Measures of habitat quality for redstarts in citrus and coffee habitats were generally intermediate between the highest (mangrove) and lowest (dry limestone) measurements from natural habitats. The decline in mean body mass over the winter period was a strong predictor of annual survival rate among habitats, and we suggest that measures of body condition coupled with survival data provide the best measures of habitat quality for nonbreeding songbirds. Density, which is far easier to estimate, was correlated with these more labor-intensive measures, particularly in the late winter when food is likely most limiting. Thus, local density may be useful as an approximation of habitat quality for wintering migrant warblers. Our findings bolster those of previous studies based on bird abundance that suggest arboreal agricultural habitats in the tropics can be useful for the conservation of generalist, insectivorous birds, including many migratory passerines such as redstarts.