重金属胁迫对日本对虾(Penaeus japonicas )胚胎发育的影响

以受精1 h以内的日本对虾受精卵为实验对象,采用静水试验方法,研究了Zn、Hg、Cu、Pb、As、Cd和Cr 7种重金属对日本对虾胚胎发育的影响。结果表明,在实验浓度范围内,7种重金属中Hg、Cu对日本对虾胚胎发育毒性最大,其次是Zn、As、Cd,Pb和Cr无明显影响。Hg、Cu、Cd、As、Zn对日本对虾胚胎LC₅₀值分别为：0.0177 mg·L^-1、0.1070 mg·L^-1、1.6057 mg·L^-1、3.3682 mg·L^-1、8.2644 mg·L^-1,致死效应最低可观测效用浓度（LOEC）分别为0.0037 mg·L^-1、0.0166 mg·L^-1、0.1302 mg·L^-1、1.1572 mg·L^-1、2.1522 mg·L^-1;抑制发育LOEC分别为0.0062 mg·L^-1、0.0176 mg·L^-1、0.4002 mg·L^-1、1.9497 mg·L^-1、0.0617 mg·L^-1。随着Hg、Cu浓度的升高,胚胎孵化率不断下降,无节幼体死亡率不断上升,在Hg 0.0256 mg·L^-1浓度组中,胚胎48 h死亡率达到100%。以上结果说明,Hg、Cu等重金属的存在会延缓日本对虾胚胎的发育速度,随着重金属浓度的增加,滞育现象愈加明显,在Cu 0.32 mg·L^-1浓度组中,未见无节幼体孵出。     

四溴联苯醚(BDE-47)对两种海洋桡足类动物的毒性效应

为了研究四溴联苯醚(BDE-47)对海洋桡足类的毒性效应,以太平洋真宽水蚤和日本虎斑猛水蚤为受试生物,依据急性毒性实验96 h-LC₅₀值,设置5个浓度组和1个对照组,测定摄食率、滤水率、耗氧率、排氨率和抗氧化防御系统中SOD、GST、GPx活性以及GSH含量。结果显示：BDE-47对太平洋真宽水蚤和日本虎斑猛水蚤的96 h-LC₅₀分别为
57和851 μg·L^-1,后者明显高于前者。2种桡足类在BDE-47作用下,其能量摄入和代谢均受到不同程度的诱导或抑制。太平洋真宽水蚤在中浓度(1.425 μg·L^-1)下摄食率和排氨率受到促进,高浓度(5.70和11.40 μg·L^-1)下耗氧率明显抑制;日本虎斑猛水蚤高浓度下(170.20 μg·L^-1)摄食率受到抑制,中浓度(21.28 μg·L^-1)下耗氧率受到促进,各个浓度的BDE-47对其排氨率均有明显促进作用。太平洋真宽水蚤SOD活性在BDE-47暴露96 h过程中均低于对照组(P<0.05),受到明显抑制;GST活性随暴露时间延长先升高后降低;GSH含量和GPx活性低浓度(0.7125和1.425 μg·L^-1)下随时间先升高后降低,而高浓度(5.70和11.40 μg·L^-1)下则相反。日本虎斑猛水蚤SOD活性随BDE-47浓度的升高先降低后升高再降低;GST活性和GSH含量在低浓度(10.64和21.28 μg·L^-1)BDE-47中与对照组相比无显著差异(P>0.05),而高浓度(85.10和170.20 μg·L^-1)
BDE-47下,GST活性随时间先升高后降低,GSH含量则先降低后升高再降低;GPx活性呈现先降低后升高趋势。由此可见,BDE-47与这2种桡足类的能量摄入、代谢和抗氧化防御系统存在一定时间及剂量效应,并具有明显的物种差异性。     

褐菖鲉肝HSC70基因的环介导等温扩增技术的建立及对石油污染的剂量效应研究

从褐菖鲉肝脏中克隆了热休克蛋白HSC70基因,利用环介导等温扩增技术(loop-mediated isothermal amplification,LAMP)建立HSC70基因的定量检测方法。为检测该方法的可行性,将褐菖鲉分别暴露于石油水溶性成分(water-soluble fraction,WSF) 20、60、180 μg·L^-1 1 d后,利用real-time PCR及LAMP技术同时测定褐菖鲉肝HSC70 mRNA表达量,两种方法测定结果基本一致,证实LAMP技术可用于褐菖鲉肝HSC70基因的定量。为更细致了解石油WSF影响褐菖鲉肝脏HSC70基因表达的剂量－效应关系,将褐菖鲉分别暴露于25、50、75、100、125、150、175 μg·L^-1 WSF中,5天后采样,用LAMP技术定量检测HSC70 mRNA。结果表明,HSC70 mRNA表达量在50 μg·L^-1浓度组即被显著诱导,在75 μg·L^-1浓度下达到最大值,这说明褐菖鲉肝HSC70基因对石油污染较敏感,有潜力作为海洋石油污染的生物标志物。     

BDE-47对斑马鱼胚胎-幼鱼的急性毒性及氧化应激作用

为研究2,2',4,4'-四溴联苯醚(BDE-47)对斑马鱼胚胎-幼鱼急性毒性、氧化应激及细胞凋亡的影响,以受精后3 h的斑马鱼胚胎为染毒对象,用概率单位法计算BDE-47对斑马鱼胚胎-幼鱼的96 h-LC₅₀;再参照96 h-LC₅₀按一定比例级差设置0.25、0.5、1.0、2.0 mg·L^-1 4个浓度组和1个对照组(0 mg·L^-1)进行96 h半静水式毒性试验,检测斑马鱼超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量和细胞凋亡情况。结果表明,BDE-47对斑马鱼96 h的急性毒性LC₅₀为3.77 mg·L^-1(95%可信区间1.93～10.27 mg·L^-1);2.0 mg·L^-1剂量组与对照组相比,SOD活性和MDA含量显著增加,且CAT活性与BDE-47染毒浓度之间存在明显的剂量-效应关系;0.5 mg·L^-1 BDE-47染毒96 h后,即观察到斑马鱼幼鱼出现明显细胞凋亡,主要集中于神经管和脑部。研究表明,BDE-47可以影响斑马鱼体内抗氧化防御系统,并能诱导细胞凋亡;BDE-47导致神经组织的氧化损伤可能在动物神经毒性中起重要作用。     

PFOS潜在替代品全氟丁基磺酸钾对不同营养水平水生生物的毒性

全氟丁基磺酸钾(PFBSK)作为全氟辛基磺酸(PFOS)潜在的替代品,极易溶于水,主要存在于水体中,因而其水生毒性的研究十分重要。采用OECD 201、OECD 202、OECD 203和OECD 211标准试验方法,研究了PFBSK对羊角月牙藻(Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata)、大型溞(Daphnia magna)和中国本土鱼种稀有鮈鲫(Gobiocypris rarus)的急性毒性效应以及对大型溞繁殖的影响。组合多终点急慢性水生生物毒性结果：PFBSK的急性毒性终点均大于100 mg·L^-1,大型溞繁殖试验的无观察效应浓度(NOEC)为571 mg·L^-1,最低可观察效应浓度(LOEC)为981 mg·L^-1。按GHS分类导则,PFBSK未表现出急性毒性和慢性毒性。与之相比,PFOS则对水生生物表现出毒性,黑头软口鲦(Pimephales promelas)为最敏感物种,其96 h-LC₅₀为4.7 mg·L^-1;大型溞繁殖试验的NOEC为12 mg·L^-1。按GHS分类导则,属于中等毒性物质。可见,PFBSK较PFOS水生毒性明显降低。     

全氟辛基磺酸及其替代产品的内分泌干扰效应评价

为研究全氟辛基磺酸(PFOS)及其替代品的内分泌干扰效应,将重组人雌激素/雄激素/孕激素/甲状腺激素/维甲酸受体基因的双杂交酵母暴露于不同浓度的PFOS及替代品中,并结合体外代谢活化技术检测直接和间接的类/抗激素活性。结果表明,被替代品PFOS表现为雄激素受体、甲状腺受体和维甲酸受体拮抗剂,且在代谢活化后新增了雌激素受体拮抗效应,其半数效应浓度(EC₅₀)在3.0×10^-4～4.8×10^-3 g·L^-1之间;同时,4种替代化学品没有任何效应检出,说明不会通过与核受体结合干扰天然激素的正常功能。研究结果说明,与原化学品相比,替代产品的应用在内分泌干扰效应方面可能具有更低的环境风险。     

Effects of Atrazine on Blood Indices and Histopathology of Grass Carp (Ctenopharhyngoden idella )

Atrazine is currently the most widely used herbicide in the south of Iran. The chronic toxicity effects of atrazine (herbicide) on blood indices and histopathology of the gill, liver and kidney in grass carp (Ctenopharhyngoden idella ) were studied by exposing them to sublethal concentrations of atrazine to 0, 10, 100, 1 000, 10 000 g atrazine per liter of water for a period of 30 days. Up to 100 g·L^-1, atrazine did not show significant toxicity.In contrast, atrazine in the concentration of 1 000 and 10 000 g·L^-1significantly increased toxicity effects on studied parameters. The highest mortality rate (100%) was observed at 10 000 g·L^-1on the day 10 and at 1 000 g·L^-1on the day 20. Cytological analysis showed that haematocrit (Hct) increased significantly with the increase of atrazine concentration and days. White blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) were changed significantly (p<0.05) in different treatments. Biochemical analysis indicated that plasma total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels decreased significantly (p<0.05) with the increase of atrazine concentrations and exposure days. Histopathological studies showed hyperplasia, hyperemia, necrosis, mucosa secretion, shortness of filaments, lamellar fusion in gills; necrosis, anemia, bile stagnation in liver; and cell atrophy, hyperemia, hemorrhage and necrosis in kidney which were more severed at 1 000 and 10 000 g·L^-1. Therefore, mentioned effects on studied histopathological and some blood parameters were both dose - and time -dependent. In sum, the atrazine exposure of grass carp at concentrations 1 000 and 10 000 g·L^-1induced significant changes in blood indices and structural disruptions in gill, liver and kidney organs on days 20 and 10, respectively. The obtained results indicated the atrazine is toxic and could damage vital organs and blood of grass carp. Therefore, the use of atrazine should be imperative and carefully monitored.     

黑斑蛙与非洲爪蟾蝌蚪急性毒性试验方法敏感性的比较

两栖动物蝌蚪急性毒性试验是评价化学品急性毒性的一种方法。以毒死蜱、乙草胺、重铬酸钾和全氟辛烷磺酸盐(PFOS)为测试物,比较了我国本土黑斑蛙(Rana nigromaculata)与国际通用种非洲爪蟾(Xenopus laevis)在蝌蚪急性毒性试验中的敏感性。结果发现：2类蝌蚪分别进行的11次试验中,空白对照组黑斑蛙蝌蚪死亡率(0.9%)远低于非洲爪蟾蝌蚪的死亡率(5.8%);重铬酸钾和PFOS对黑斑蛙蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀分别为34.0 mg·L^-1和81.0 mg·L^-1,而对非洲爪蟾蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀分别为51.6 mg·L^-1和92.1 mg·L^-1,显示黑斑蛙蝌蚪对这2种化学品的敏感性略高于非洲爪蟾蝌蚪;毒死蜱和乙草胺对黑斑蛙蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀分别为0.41 mg·L^-1和4.1 mg·L^-1,而对非洲爪蟾蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀分别为0.12 mg·L^-1和3.1 mg·L^-1,显示黑斑蛙蝌蚪对这2种化学品的敏感性略低于非洲爪蟾。鉴于2类蝌蚪对化学品的敏感性存在差异,且黑斑蛙蝌蚪的自然死亡率低,材料更易获得,笔者认为黑斑蛙蝌蚪比非洲爪蟾更适合作为蝌蚪急性毒性试验的材料,用于我国化学品环境管理中的毒性评价。     

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂对黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂1,2-苯并异噻唑-3-酮（BIT）和甲基异噻唑啉酮（MIT）虽已在多种行业中广泛使用,但目前有关其毒性尤其对水体中生物毒性的数据还较少。鉴于BIT和 MIT在水体中普遍存在,本文研究了这两种污染物对两栖动物黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性。黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪分别暴露系列浓度的BIT和 MIT,观察化学品对其生长、发育和运动的影响,计算96小时半数致死浓度（96 h-LC₅₀）和96小时半数致畸浓度（96 h-TC₅₀）,确定最小生长抑制浓度（MCIG）。结果发现,BIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为2.99 mg?L^-1和0.60 mg?L^-1,MCIG小于0.40 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为6.44 mg?L^-1。MIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为5.30 mg?L^-1和2.36 mg?L^-1,MCIG为2.59 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为7.58 mg?L^-1。根据《化学农药环境安全评价准则报批稿》中两栖动物蝌蚪急性毒性的分级标准,判定BIT和MIT的毒性等级为中等。该毒性数据为异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂的环境管理提供参考。     

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂对黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性

异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂1,2-苯并异噻唑-3-酮（BIT）和甲基异噻唑啉酮（MIT）虽已在多种行业中广泛使用,但目前有关其毒性尤其对水体中生物毒性的数据还较少。鉴于BIT和 MIT在水体中普遍存在,本文研究了这两种污染物对两栖动物黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪的急性毒性。黑斑蛙胚胎和蝌蚪分别暴露系列浓度的BIT和 MIT,观察化学品对其生长、发育和运动的影响,计算96小时半数致死浓度（96 h-LC₅₀）和96小时半数致畸浓度（96 h-TC₅₀）,确定最小生长抑制浓度（MCIG）。结果发现,BIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为2.99 mg?L^-1和0.60 mg?L^-1,MCIG小于0.40 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为6.44 mg?L^-1。MIT对黑斑蛙胚胎的96 h-LC₅₀和96 h-TC₅₀分别为5.30 mg?L^-1和2.36 mg?L^-1,MCIG为2.59 mg?L^-1,对蝌蚪的96 h-LC₅₀为7.58 mg?L^-1。根据《化学农药环境安全评价准则报批稿》中两栖动物蝌蚪急性毒性的分级标准,判定BIT和MIT的毒性等级为中等。该毒性数据为异噻唑啉酮类杀菌剂的环境管理提供参考。     

Achieving Open Access to Conservation Science

Conservation science is a crisis discipline in which the results of scientific enquiry must be made available quickly to those implementing management. We assessed the extent to which scientific research published since the year 2000 in 20 conservation science journals is publicly available. Of the 19,207 papers published, 1,667 (8.68%) are freely downloadable from an official repository. Moreover, only 938 papers (4.88%) meet the standard definition of open access in which material can be freely reused providing attribution to the authors is given. This compares poorly with a comparable set of 20 evolutionary biology journals, where 31.93% of papers are freely downloadable and 7.49% are open access. Seventeen of the 20 conservation journals offer an open access option, but fewer than 5% of the papers are available through open access. The cost of accessing the full body of conservation science runs into tens of thousands of dollars per year for institutional subscribers, and many conservation practitioners cannot access pay‐per‐view science through their workplace. However, important initiatives such as Research4Life are making science available to organizations in developing countries. We urge authors of conservation science to pay for open access on a per‐article basis or to choose publication in open access journals, taking care to ensure the license allows reuse for any purpose providing attribution is given. Currently, it would cost $51 million to make all conservation science published since 2000 freely available by paying the open access fees currently levied to authors. Publishers of conservation journals might consider more cost effective models for open access and conservation‐oriented organizations running journals could consider a broader range of options for open access to nonmembers such as sponsorship of open access via membership fees. Obtención de Acceso Abierto a la Ciencia de la Conservación     

Rapid,recurring, structured survey versus bioblitz for generating biodiversity data and analysis with a multispecies abundance model

A bioblitz inexpensively and quickly generates biodiversity data, but bioblitzes are often conducted with haphazard, unreplicated sampling. Results tend to be taxonomically, geographically, or temporally biased, lack metadata, and consist of lists of observed taxa that do not enable further analyses or correction for imperfect detection. A rapid, recurring, structured survey (RRSS) uses a structured sampling design and temporal and spatial replication to survey randomly selected sites on a conservation property. We participated in a loosely structured bioblitz and a subsequent RRSS at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville (St. Clair County), Alabama (USA) to compare observed richness derived from the 2 survey approaches. The RRSS data structure enabled us to fit models that accounted for imperfect detection to estimate abundances, occupancy probabilities, and habitat associations. The loosely structured bioblitz data could not be used in such models. We present a new integrated multispecies abundance model that we applied to avian RRSS data. Our model extension enables estimation for the community, employs data augmentation to estimate the number of undetected species, and incorporates covariates. The RRSS generated a more comprehensive and less biased list of observed taxonomic richness than the loosely structured bioblitz (e.g., 73 vs. 45 bird species and 104 vs. 63 insect families from the RRSS vs. loosely structured bioblitz, respectively). Models fit to the RRSS data identified seasonal patterns in avian community composition and allowed for estimation of habitat–occupancy relationships for insect taxa. The RRSS protocol has potential for broad transferability as a standardized, quick, and inexpensive way to inventory biodiversity and estimate ecological parameters while providing an outreach opportunity.     

Compliance with and ecosystem function of biodiversity offsets in North American and European freshwaters

Land-use change via human development is a major driver of biodiversity loss. To reduce these impacts, billions of dollars are spent on biodiversity offsets. However, studies evaluating offset project effectiveness that examine components such as the overall compliance and function of projects remain rare. We reviewed 577 offsetting projects in freshwater ecosystems that included the metrics project size, type of aquatic system (e.g., wetland and creek), offsetting measure (e.g., enhancement, restoration, and creation), and an assessment of the projects’ compliance and functional success. Project information was obtained from scientific and government databases and gray literature. Despite considerable investment in offsetting projects, crucial problems persisted. Although compliance and function were related to each other, a high level of compliance did not guarantee a high degree of function. However, large projects relative to area had better function than small projects. Function improved when projects targeted productivity or specific ecosystem features and when multiple complementary management targets were in place. Restorative measures were more likely to achieve targets than creating entirely new ecosystems. Altogether the relationships we found highlight specific ecological processes that may help improve offsetting outcomes.     

Some polyphagous Homoptera gain protection from their natural enemies by feeding on the toxic plantsSpartium junceum andErythrina corallodendrum (Leguminosae)

Summary Interactions were studied among alkaloid-containing legumes (Erythrina corallodendrum andSpartium junceum) and non-toxic plants (Citrus sinensis, Cucurbita moschata andEuphorbia tirucalli), several polyphagous homopterans,Aphis craccivora (Aphididae),Icerya purchasi, I. aegyptiaca (Margarodidae),Lepidosaphes ulmi (Diaspididae) andPlanococcus citri (Pseudococcidae), and some major natural enemies of these homopterans. Significant reductions in survival due to negative effects of alkaloid containing as compared with non-alkaloidal plants were recorded for the predatorsRodolia cardinalis andChilocorus bipustulatus, but not forCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) andSympherobius sanctus (Neuroptera: Sympherobiidae). The development time of the larvae or pupae ofR. cardinalis, C. carnea andS. sanctus was longer on the toxic plants than on the non-toxic ones. The percentage of parasitism ofA. craccivora collected from the non-alkaloidal plantsVicia palaestina andMelilotus albus was much higher than that onS. junceum. The parasitoid complexes ofA. craccivora differed between both plant groups. The nutritive value of honeydew ofI. purchasi andA. craccivora, as expressed by the life span ofEncyrtus infelix (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) adults, was also investigated. Life spans were significantly longer when the wasps fed on honeydew produced on non-alkaloidal plants (C. sinensis andPittosporum tobira) than on alkaloid containing plants whenI. purchasi — but notA. craccivora — was the producer. It is suggested that the chemical defense ofE. corallodendrum andS. junceum is exploited by polyphagous phytophages to reduce predation. In nature, population growth and density of four of the investigated homopterans are conspicuously high when they developed on the alkaloid containing plant species, and very low on non-alkaloid plants. The efficiency of their natural enemies may be reduced by sequestration of alkaloids (or other toxic plant compounds) or their transfer into excreted honeydew. Therefore it is assumed that a generalist phytophagous homopteran may be protected from its natural enemies, although at different rates of efficiency, if it can safely sequester the host allelochemical when it develops on toxic species within its host range.     

A palaeo-hydrogeological model for arsenic contamination in southern and south-east Asia

An argument is presented in which areas of natural arsenic contamination of modern groundwaters throughout Asia have a common origin. Arsenic originally accumulated in oceanic ferro-manganoan sediments of the eastern Palaeo-Tethys. This was further concentrated through oceanic crustal extinction in what later became the south-east Chinese accreted mineralised terrain. Proto-Himalayan uplift of this area created the palaeo-drainage systems of the Ganges – Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Mekong, and Red Rivers, with consequent headwater erosion of arsenic-rich sediments. Their downstream deposition as immature and easily redistributed Neogene sandstones, silts, and iron-rich clays has created secondary and tertiary reservoirs of adsorbed and authigenic arsenic, from which the current arsenic-rich groundwaters have evolved. Considering river basins within the above palaeo-hydrogeological framework provides a basis for assessing the risk of arsenic in groundwater basins of south and south-eastern Asia.     

Sequestration of cucurbitacin analogs by New and Old World chrysomelid leaf beetles in the tribe Luperini

Summary Two South American polyphagous leaf beetles,Diabrotica speciosa andCerotoma arcuata, selectively accumulated the bitter tasting compound 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D in their body after ingesting root tissues of cucurbit plants. Similarly, three Asian Cucurbitaceae-feeding specialists in the genusAulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin analogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an allomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid leaf beetles both of New and Old Worlds. The strong affinity to cucurbitacins, selective sequestration of the analogs and consequent protection from predators suggested an ecological adaptation mechanism developed in common among these two geographically isolated subtribes in the Luperini.     

Threats to intact tropical peatlands and opportunities for their conservation

Large, intact areas of tropical peatland are highly threatened at a global scale by the expansion of commercial agriculture and other forms of economic development. Conserving peatlands on a landscape scale, with their hydrology intact, is of international conservation importance to preserve their distinctive biodiversity and ecosystem services and maintain their resilience to future environmental change. We explored threats to and opportunities for conserving remaining intact tropical peatlands; thus, we excluded peatlands of Indonesia and Malaysia, where extensive deforestation, drainage, and conversion to plantations means conservation in this region can protect only small fragments of the original ecosystem. We focused on a case study, the Pastaza‐Marañón Foreland Basin (PMFB) in Peru, which is among the largest known intact tropical peatland landscapes in the world and is representative of peatland vulnerability. Maintenance of the hydrological conditions critical for carbon storage and ecosystem function of peatlands is, in the PMFB, primarily threatened by expansion of commercial agriculture linked to new transport infrastructure that is facilitating access to remote areas. There remain opportunities in the PMFB and elsewhere to develop alternative, more sustainable land‐use practices. Although some of the peatlands in the PMFB fall within existing legally protected areas, this protection does not include the most carbon‐dense (domed pole forest) areas. New carbon‐based conservation instruments (e.g., REDD+, Green Climate Fund), developing markets for sustainable peatland products, transferring land title to local communities, and expanding protected areas offer pathways to increased protection for intact tropical peatlands in Amazonia and elsewhere, such as those in New Guinea and Central Africa which remain, for the moment, broadly beyond the frontier of commercial development.     

Effects of Controlled Fire and Livestock Grazing on Bird Communities in East African Savannas

Abstract: In East Africa fire and grazing by wild and domestic ungulates maintain savannas, and pastoralists historically set fires and herded livestock through the use of temporary corrals called bomas. In recent decades traditional pastoral practices have declined, and this may be affecting biodiversity. We investigated the effects of prescribed fires and bomas on savanna bird communities in East Africa during the first and second dry seasons of the year (respectively before and after the rains that mark the onset of breeding for most birds). We compared abundance, richness, and community composition on 9‐ha burned plots, recently abandoned bomas, and control plots in the undisturbed matrix habitat over a 3‐year period. Generally, recently burned areas and abandoned bomas attracted greater densities of birds and had different community assemblages than the surrounding matrix. The effects of disturbances were influenced by interactions between primary productivity, represented by the normalized difference vegetation index, and time. Bird densities were highest and a greater proportion of species was observed on burned plots in the months following the fires. Drought conditions equalized bird densities across treatments within 1 year, and individuals from a greater proportion of species were more commonly observed on abandoned bomas. Yearly fluctuations in abundance were less pronounced on bomas than on burns, which indicate that although fire may benefit birds in the short term, bomas may have a more‐lasting positive effect and provide resources during droughts. Several Palearctic migrants were attracted to burned plots regardless of rainfall, which indicates continued fire suppression may threaten their already‐declining populations. Most notably, the paucity of birds observed on the controls suggests that the current structure of the matrix developed as a result of fire suppression. Traditional pastoralism appears critical to the maintenance of avian diversity in these savannas.     

Cost‐effective conservation of an endangered frog under uncertainty

How should managers choose among conservation options when resources are scarce and there is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of actions? Well‐developed tools exist for prioritizing areas for one‐time and binary actions (e.g., protect vs. not protect), but methods for prioritizing incremental or ongoing actions (such as habitat creation and maintenance) remain uncommon. We devised an approach that combines metapopulation viability and cost‐effectiveness analyses to select among alternative conservation actions while accounting for uncertainty. In our study, cost‐effectiveness is the ratio between the benefit of an action and its economic cost, where benefit is the change in metapopulation viability. We applied the approach to the case of the endangered growling grass frog (Litoria raniformis), which is threatened by urban development. We extended a Bayesian model to predict metapopulation viability under 9 urbanization and management scenarios and incorporated the full probability distribution of possible outcomes for each scenario into the cost‐effectiveness analysis. This allowed us to discern between cost‐effective alternatives that were robust to uncertainty and those with a relatively high risk of failure. We found a relatively high risk of extinction following urbanization if the only action was reservation of core habitat; habitat creation actions performed better than enhancement actions; and cost‐effectiveness ranking changed depending on the consideration of uncertainty. Our results suggest that creation and maintenance of wetlands dedicated to L. raniformis is the only cost‐effective action likely to result in a sufficiently low risk of extinction. To our knowledge we are the first study to use Bayesian metapopulation viability analysis to explicitly incorporate parametric and demographic uncertainty into a cost‐effective evaluation of conservation actions. The approach offers guidance to decision makers aiming to achieve cost‐effective conservation under uncertainty.