遮阴和盐分对银叶树幼苗光合特性与叶绿素荧光参数的影响

通过比较不同光和盐水平下银叶树(Heritiera littoralis)幼苗的叶绿素含量、光合光响应参数及叶绿素荧光参数的差异,探讨了遮阴和施盐处理下银叶树幼苗的光合生理及适应能力。以银叶树盆栽幼苗为研究对象,以全光无盐为对照,设置遮阴(遮光率为80%)与2.5%盐水处理,经60 d的处理,测定其光合光响应参数、叶绿素荧光参数及叶绿素含量。结果表明,在正常环境下,银叶树光饱和点(LSP)、光补偿点(LCP)及Chla/b分别为1023、28.8μmol·m^?2·s^?1及3.65,属阳性树种。在无盐条件下,遮阴处理导致了叶片叶绿素含量、表观量子效率(AQY)、PSⅡ潜在活性(Fv/Fo)、PSII最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)及PSⅡ有效光化学量子产量(Fv'/Fm')的升高,却降低了Chl a/b、最大净光合速率(P′max)、LSP、LCP、暗呼吸速率(Rd)、初始荧光(Fo)、PSⅡ实际光合效率(ΦPSⅡ)、表观光合量子传递效率(ETR)、光化学猝灭系数(qP)及非光化学淬灭系数(NPQ)。在全光照或80%的遮阴环境下,盐胁迫均使得叶片叶绿素含量、光合光响应参数(AQY、P′max、LSP)及叶绿素荧光参数(Fm、Fv/Fo)显著下降(P<0.05);而在全光环境下,盐胁迫同样显著降低了Fv/Fm、ΦPSⅡ、ETR(P<0.05),但在遮阴环境下,盐胁迫并没有显著降低叶片Fv/Fm、Fv′/Fm′、ΦPSⅡ及ETR(P>0.05)。盐分对叶片叶绿素含量、光合光响应参数(AQY、P′max及LSP)及叶绿素荧光参数(Fo、Fm、Fv、Fv/Fo、ΦPSⅡ、ETR及NPQ)的影响高于光照,光和盐对叶绿素含量、光合光响应参数(AQY、P′max及LSP)及叶绿素荧光参数的影响没有交互作用。研究表明,银叶树幼苗表现出较高的耐阴性及对弱光的利用能力;盐胁迫使银叶树幼苗发生了明显的光抑制,PSII的光化学活性降低,过剩光能对光系统的破坏的风险增加,光能转换效率与电子传递能力下降,光合作用效率大幅降低。     

冬季降温对菹草叶片光合荧光特性的影响

将菹草(Potamogeton cripus)石芽种植于室外水体中,萌发后选择发育程度相近的幼苗,在冬季降温期间利用水下饱和脉冲荧光仪(DIVING-PAM)测定幼苗叶片的FV/Fm和光响应恢复曲线.结果表明,在冬季水温低于7℃的条件下菹草叶片FV/Fm显著降低(P<0.01).水温回复到9～10℃后,FV/Fm逐渐增大;光强的降低有利于FV/Fm的恢复.进一步研究植株的光响应恢复曲线发现,第4-10天,水温<7℃,菹草叶片有效荧光产量(ΔFV'/Fm)的光响应能力和暗恢复能力显著下降;同时,热耗散能力和暗恢复能力也显著降低,发生光抑制的可能性增大.当水温升高到9～10℃时,ΔFV/Fm和非光化学淬灭(NPQ)随光强降低和实验天数的增加逐渐得到恢复.因而,水温9～10℃可能是冬季菹草进行正常光合作用的临界温度;菹草在低温(<7℃)、高光照条件下易发生光抑制,导致PSII受到伤害.     

外源NO和水杨酸对盐胁迫下番茄幼苗光合机构的保护作用

以番茄品种‘秦丰保冠’为试材,在水培条件下研究单独和复配施用一氧化氮(NO)供体硝普钠(SNP)、水杨酸(SA)对100 mmol/L NaCl胁迫下番茄幼苗叶片气体交换、叶绿素荧光、CO_2响应曲线、光合色素含量和叶黄素循环的影响.结果显示:(1)单独或复配外施SNP、SA均能使受Na Cl胁迫处理的番茄幼苗叶片净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、PSⅡ最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、天线转化效率(F_v′/F_m′)、实际光化学效率(ΦPSⅡ)、光化学猝灭系数(qP)和叶绿素荧光衰减率(Rfd)不同程度升高,胞间CO2浓度(C_i)、初始荧光(Fo)和PSⅡ非光化学荧光猝灭系数(NPQ)显著降低,其中以SNP和SA复配处理的综合效果最好.(2)NaCl胁迫下,番茄幼苗叶片CO2羧化效率(CE)、Ru BP最大再生速率(J_(max))、RuBisCO及其活化酶活性和最大羧化速率(V_(c max))的下降均能在单独或复配施用SNP、SA的处理下得到有效缓解,并以SNP和SA复配处理更佳.(3)SNP、SA单独或复配处理均能有效抑制NaCl胁迫下番茄幼苗叶片光合色素(Chl a、Chl b和Car)含量、Chl a/b值和叶黄素循环库(V+A+Z)的下降及叶黄素循环脱环氧化程度(A+Z)/(V+A+Z)的升高,且以SA和SNP复配处理效果最明显.本研究表明,NaCl胁迫下依赖叶黄素循环的天线热耗散不是外源NO、SA单独或复配处理保护番茄幼苗叶片光合机构的生理机制,对PSⅡ及其初级电子受体醌(QA)下游电子传递通畅性的保护,以及对CO_2同化活性的改善才是外源NO、SA提高番茄幼苗叶片光合功能、增强其耐盐能力的主要原因,其中NO和SA复配处理时具有协同增效作用.     

人工湿地污水处理对三种植物光合作用及叶绿素荧光特性的影响

人工湿地环境下,湿地植物的光合代谢过程与陆生自然环境有较大的不同.通过对人工湿地三种中生植物即薏米(Coixaquatica Roxb)、文殊兰(Crinum asiaticum)和蜘蛛兰(Hymenocallis Americana)进行污水处理,研究人工湿地对植物的光合作用和叶绿素荧光特性的影响.结果表明:(1)与陆地自然环境相比,在人工湿地环境下,薏米,文殊兰和蜘蛛兰的净光合速率(Pn),蒸腾速率(Tr),气孔导度(Gs),叶绿素含量,最大荧光(Fm)和PSII最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)均降低,而胞间CO2浓度(Ci)和初始荧光(Fo)升高.其中叶绿素含量,Fo和Fv/Fm在四月份生长旺盛期差异极显著(P<0.01),Gs差异显著(P<0.05).(2)在整个生长期,三种植物的光合参数和荧光参数的变化趋势不是单一的上升或下降,不同植物其变化过程和变化幅度也不一样.蜘蛛兰在生长旺盛期较薏米和文殊兰Pn,Gs,Fv/Fm,Fm,Fo大,而Ci较薏米和文殊兰低.可见人工湿地污水处理对三种植物光合作用和叶绿素荧光特性均有影响,但对各植物影响不一致.综合各项参数,蜘蛛兰耐性强于薏米和文殊兰.     

高等植物对甲醇的释放和利用

植物可向大气中释放一种挥发性的有机气体——甲醇,同时对这种气体可加以利用。在详细阐述甲醇的产生、释放和可能的代谢机制的基础上,通过不同浓度的甲醇溶液喷施牡丹叶片,测定其对光合作用过程及叶绿素荧光参数变化的影响。结果表明,光合作用有较大改善:光合速率明显提高,气孔导度增加,叶内CO2浓度也有一定幅度改善。叶绿素荧光参数(qN和NPQ)以及电子传递速率(ETR)发生较大改变;Fm/Fo,Fv/Fo和ΦPSII的下降可能与甲醇对牡丹叶片的双向效应(促进性和毒性)有关,这取决于喷施的浓度、次数和时间。初步的结果显示:甲醇提高光合作用速率的同时,并没有伴随光合效率和机能的改善和提高。期间的气孔导度和胞内CO2浓度的提高以及非辐射能耗散(qN和NPQ)和光呼吸的降低可能是牡丹叶片光合作用速率提高的主要原因。     

光照对菹草（Potamogeton cripus）幼苗生长发育和光合荧光特性的影响

用遮光法获得5%、1%、0.5%、0.1%、0.05%伞光照共5个不同光照强度的水体,将菹草(Potamogeton cripus)萌发幼苗置于上述水体.观测幼苗生长发育状况,并利用水下饱和脉冲荧光仪(DIVING-PAM)测定其光合荧光特性.结果表明:(1)不同光照强度对菹草幼苗生长发育影响显著;随光强减弱,菹草幼苗株高、叶片数、生物量增长率显著降低(P<0.01);(2)菹草幼苗的最大光化学量子产量(Fv/Fm)随光强减弱而降低,实验第16天时,0.5%、0.1%、0.05%实验组Fv/Fm值仅为对照组的65%、53%和42%;(3)随光强减弱,幼苗吸收光能用于光化学电子传递的份额(qP)减少,第16天时,0.5%、0.1%、0.05%实验组的qP值为对照组的68%、67%、53%;(4)光强减弱导致0.5%实验组qN先升高后降低,0.1%、0.05%实验组的qN值则表现出显著下降趋势,表明幼苘在较低光强条件下,叶片PSII光能转换效率显著下降,进入PSII光化学过程的激发能减少,热耗散激发能也相应减少;(5)光强减弱导致电子在光合链中的传递速率(ETR)品著下降,第16天时,1%、0.5%、0.1%、0.05%实验组ETR分别为对照的70%、63%、56%、36%,导致参与CO2的电子减少,光合作用降低.快速光响应曲线测定结果表明,幼苗ETRmax随光强减弱呈下降趋势,光响应能力随光强的减弱显著下降.     

杜鹃红山茶(Camellia changii Ye)的扦插苗、嫁接苗和砧木的光合作用特征

杜鹃红山茶(Camellia changii Ye)是山茶科全年开花的珍稀种类,其自然繁殖能力差,需要人工辅助的传粉、扦插或嫁接进行繁殖。本文研究了杜鹃红山茶扦插苗、嫁接苗及其砧木(油茶,Camellia oleifera Abel)3种苗木的叶绿素荧光参数和光合作用参数。结果显示,砧木及杜鹃红山茶的嫁接苗和扦插苗的叶片电子传递速率光曲线均随着光合有效辐射的增强而逐渐升高至最大值,后趋于相对稳定或略有下降,其光饱和点均在800~1 000μmol.m-2.s-1附近。研究还表明,3种苗木的最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)、实际光化学效率(ΦPSII)、光化学荧光淬灭(qP)、相对电子传递速率(rETR)、最大净光合速率(Pmax)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、瞬时水分利用效率(IWUE)和瞬时光能利用效率(ILUE)均表现为砧木>嫁接苗>扦插苗,而非荧光淬灭(NPQ)的大小顺序则为:扦插苗>嫁接苗>砧木。这些结果表明,在这3种苗木中,砧木具有高光合、高蒸腾的特点,而扦插苗的光合蒸腾能力最弱。从光合生理的角度表明砧木适应能力最强、扦插苗最弱,而嫁接苗适应能力居中,商品化生产苗木可采用嫁接方式。     

干热河谷主要造林树种光合作用光抑制的防御机制

比较研究了干热河谷8个造林树种气孔导度、光合色素、叶绿索荧光的日变化和季节变化，结果表明：①气孔导度雨季较高，多呈“午睡”现象的双峰曲线日进程，旱季气孔导度很低，全呈单峰曲线日进程；叶绿素荧光动力学参数Fv／Fm呈反正态分布曲线日进程，qP和φPsⅡ呈正态分布曲线日进程，白昼qNP随时间呈上升趋势，表明树种启动了过剩激发能耗散功能．②叶绿素总含量、叶绿素a／b值及类胡萝卜素／叶绿素值从雨季到旱季都呈下降趋势，减少了对光能的吸收．③旱季马占相思(Acacia mangium)、刺槐(Robinia pseudoacacia)的Fv／Fm值明显低于雨季值，差异显著，发生了严重的光抑制；qP和qNP值除赤桉(Eucalyptus dulebsis)变化不明显外，其余树种旱季qP值下降而qNP值上升．④对干旱、高光强、高温光保护的主动适应方式是保持较高的光化学猝灭、PSII线性电子传递效率和维持一定耗散过剩光能的能力，如降低光化学猝灭而增加非光化学猝灭来适应逆境，则是一种对生长不利的内损耗被动适应方式．图4表2参14     

指数施肥对杉木优良无性系生长和光合特性的影响

为探明施肥对杉木优良无性系幼苗光合特性的影响,以杉木优良无性系"洋061"轻基质扦插苗为试验材料,共设置6个处理:对照CK(0 mg/株)、常规集中施肥CF(40 mg/株)、指数施肥EF1(40 mg/株)、EF2(80 mg/株)、EF3(120 mg/株)、EF4(160 mg/株),比较杉木幼苗的生长和光合生特性对不同施肥处理响应的差异,筛选出适合杉木优良无性系"洋061"生长的施肥方式和浓度,为杉木苗期氮素养分管理提供参考.结果表明:(1)与对照相比,施肥对杉木的苗高和地径的生长具有明显的促进作用;在相同施氮量下,指数施肥处理(EF1)下杉木的苗高和地径都优于常规施肥,但二者之间差异不显著(P 0.05).(2)指数施肥处理下叶片最大荧光(F_m)、可变荧光(F_v)、PSⅡ最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)、PSⅡ潜在活性(F_o/F_v)和实际最大量子产额(QY)均显著高于对照和常规施肥处理,且除Fv/Fm外,其余各指标均在EF3(120 mg/株)时达到最大值,而叶片初始荧光(F_o)和非光化学猝灭(NPQ)则低于对照处理.(3)施肥处理显著提高了叶片净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、胞间二氧化碳浓度(C_i)、叶绿体色素和类胡萝卜素含量,而且在相同施氮量下指数施肥处理(EF1)叶片P_n、G_s、T_r、C_i、叶绿体色素和类胡萝卜素含量显著高于常规施肥,随着施氮量的增加杉木上述指标均呈先增加后降低的趋势,除叶绿体色素外,上述指标均在施氮量为120 mg/株时达到最大.综上表明,施氮量为120 mg/株的指数施肥能通过提高PSⅡ光化学效率和电子传递速率,降低光能的热耗散,增强杉木叶片光合速率,进而促进杉木幼苗生长.因此,杉木优良无性系"洋061"适宜的施氮量为120 mg/株.(图4表1参79)     

不同区域气候条件影响下的纳帕海湿地植物叶绿素荧光特性

采用原位移地技术,研究了不同区域气候条件影响下,纳帕海4种常见湿地植物的株高、茎粗、生物量等生长特性,以及叶绿素a、叶绿素b、总叶绿素含量、叶绿素a/b值、光化学量子效率（Fv/Fm）、电子传递速率（ETR）、实际光化学量子效率（Phips2）、光化学猝灭系数（qP）、非光化学猝灭系数（NPQ）等生理生化指标,分析探讨了湿地植物对不同区域气候条件的响应差异和适应策略。研究发现气候条件的改变对湿地植物的生长、叶绿素含量及荧光参数产生重要影响。随着温度的上升,水葱Scirpus tabernaemontani和茭草两种广布种Zizania caduciflora均表现出良好的适应性,生物量、叶绿素含量、Fv/Fm、ETR、Phips2、qP值不同程度升高,生长状况良好。刘氏荸荠Heleocharis liouana也表现出较好的适应性,当气温上升到一定程度后,虽然Fv/Fm、ETR、Phips2、qP值降低,但其通过调节叶绿素含量、热耗散来减轻伤害,气候变化对其生长的影响较小。而北温带分布型的黑三棱Rhizoma scirpi yagarae对气候变化的适应性较差,当温度上升到一定程度后, Fv/Fm、ETR、Phips2、qP、NPQ都出现大幅下降,生长停滞,生物量下降,对温度上升极为敏感。可以推测,随着全球变暖,像黑三棱这样的物种,其生存将面临极大的威胁,而高原湿地生态功也将能受到损害。     

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.