上海宝山区农业用地土壤重金属空间分异规律及分布特征研究

利用地理信息系统(GIS)和地统计分析方法对宝山区农业用地土壤重金属(As,Cd,Cr,Hg,Pb)空间分异规律和分布特征进行研究.结果表明,区内农业用地土壤中5种重金属均表现为中等空间变异性;在全局趋势上,Cd为一次全局趋势,其余重金属元素都表现为二次趋势;5种元素在空间上均存在明显的方向效应;Cr,Hg和Pb具有强烈的空间相关性,As和Cd具有中等强度的空间相关性;5种重金属的空间变程由大到小分别为Hg,Pb,Cr,As和Cd.土壤重金属As,Cd,Cr,Hg和Pb平均含量分别为7.31mg.kg-1、0.24 mg.kg-1、107.89 mg.kg-1、0.15 mg.kg-1和38.54 mg.kg-1,分别是上海土壤背景值的0.80,1.81,1.44,1.43和1.51倍.宝山区南部农业用地土壤重金属污染程度普遍高于北部.从宝山区各镇农业用地土壤重金属污染看,Cr和Pb普遍污染严重,而基本不存在As污染.同期降尘污染调查表明,降尘重金属是本区土壤重金属污染的最重要来源.     

天津近郊农田土壤重金属风险评价及空间主成分分析

以天津市近郊西青区主要农产品生产基地表层土壤(0—20 cm)作为研究对象,分析了V、Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Se、Cd、Pb共9种重金属含量及空间分布特征.分别采用地累积指数法及Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法,对农田土壤重金属污染程度及生态风险进行评价;同时利用多元统计分析方法,揭示了研究区农田土壤重金属各元素之间的相关性及污染来源.结果表明,研究区农田土壤各重金属含量偏低,呈轻度污染;但在靠近居住区、高速公路、铁路或小型畜牧厂(已关停)的部分点位中Zn或Cr存在明显富集,污染等级为中度或严重;各元素的生态危害指数大小依次为E_R(As)E_R(Cu)E_R(Pb)E_R(Zn)E_R(Ni)E_R(Cr)E_R(V),生态危害程度均为轻微;多元统计分析结果显示,灌溉水对As和Pb的影响较显著,农作物对As的影响较显著;Cr和Ni来源相似,主要受成土母质的影响;Pb、Zn、Cu等3种元素来源相似,主要来自于附近公路交通所排放的污染物;V和As的来源主要与历史工业污染的积累相关.     

华南典型金属制品遗留生产场地重金属空间分布特征

金属制品制造因涉及大量金属材料加工和使用,可能导致土壤重金属污染。揭示该行业场地土壤重金属的空间分布特征、成因和生态风险具有重要的现实意义。以华南典型金属制品制造遗留场地为对象,采集0-9 m土壤样品共517个,检测As、Cd、Cr、Hg、Ni、Pb、Sn、Zn等8种重金属元素,利用Arc GIS分析土壤各层重金属分布,通过相关性和变异性分析揭示空间分布特征与来源,并采用潜在生态风险指数法评估其生态风险。结果表明,表层（0-50 cm）土壤As、Cd、Cr、Ni和Zn等元素出现不同程度的累积,富集系数排序为Cd (13.27)>Zn (1.45)>As (1.22)>Ni (1.17)>Cr (1.15)。在水平分布上,As、Cd、Cr、Ni和Zn等元素呈现“斑块状聚集”现象,主要集中在木工和烤漆车间等区域,不同元素聚集特征与金属制品生产工艺密切相关。在垂向分布上,相关性分析表明各重金属质量分数与采样深度存在一定的负相关关系;受土壤质地、有机质含量等理化性质的共同影响,不同重金属的垂向迁移行为有所差异,垂向迁移能力排序为Ni>Cr>Sn>Pb&...     

大型垃圾焚烧厂周边土壤重金属含量水平、空间分布、来源及潜在生态风险评价

通过采集珠三角东部某市大型垃圾焚烧厂周边表层土壤样品,分析了各样品中Cd、Pb、Hg、As、Cr、Cu、Ni、Zn和Co等9种重金属含量,研究了重金属的含量水平、空间分布、来源及潜在生态风险。结果表明,研究范围内表层土壤重金属含量分别为Cd(0.183±0.07)mg·kg-1、Pb(34.8±18.7)mg·kg-1、Hg(0.081±0.028)mg·kg-1、As(11.5±9.1)mg·kg-1、Cr(31.5±19.1)mg·kg-1、Cu(17.6±12.3)mg·kg-1、Ni(7.13±4.20)mg·kg-1、Zn(82.4±44.2)mg·kg-1、Co(3.37±3.08)mg·kg-1。其中,Hg和Zn的含量分别超出广东省土壤历史背景值1倍和2倍,其余重金属含量与背景值相差不大。综合空间分布特征分析、相关性分析、聚类分析和主成分分析的结果,可以将9种重金属分为4类。Cr、Ni、Cu、Co的分布特征极为相似,且相互之间有极显著相关性,结合聚类分析和主成分分析结果,其来源主要为土壤母质。As、Zn、Pb的空间分布特征具有一定相似性,但相关性分析和聚类分析显示元素间联系不紧密,结合主成分分析结果,其来源与土壤母质和多种人类活动污染有关。Cd和Hg的空间分布特征均显示这两种重金属与垃圾焚烧厂存在联系,Cd与垃圾焚烧厂存在一定联系,而Hg与垃圾焚烧厂存在较强联系。潜在生态风险评价结果显示,该研究区域土壤重金属生态风险不高,多种重金属的综合潜在生态风险指数(RI)的范围为51~269.79,Hg和Cd对RI的贡献率相对较大,分别为52.33%和18.30%。研究表明,垃圾焚烧厂周边表层土壤Hg具有独特的环境污染特征,在垃圾焚烧厂周边的土壤重金属污染调查中,Hg污染应受到重点关注。     

旱区盐湖盆地土壤重金属空间变异及对土壤理化因子的响应

为探明盐湖盆地土壤重金属铬(Cr)、汞(Hg)、砷(As)的分布特征及在其理化因素影响下呈现的分异规律,以内蒙吉兰泰盐湖盆地为研究区,采集土壤表层、50 cm、100 cm等不同土层深度150个样本,对Cr、Hg、As和土壤理化指标进行测试,以地统计学解析不同剖面土壤重金属空间变异特征及分布规律,运用多元统计和冗余分析法解释土壤中各土层重金属与土壤pH、TDS、TN、θ、土壤分形维数D等理化指标的赋存相关性。结果表明,土壤重金属Cr、Hg、As含量分别介于2.90-63.5、0.002-0.602、0.02-21.8 mg·kg^-1之间,变幅较大;Cr、Hg、As的内蒙古地区背景值均在各层最大值和最小值之间,存在Cr、Hg、As的超标点或局部超标区域;各层土壤的Cr、Hg、As含量均在国家土壤污染风险管控标准范围之内;各土层Cr、Hg和100 cm处As的空间分布特征具有强烈的空间自相关性,土壤母质、气候环境等自然因素是土壤Cr、Hg、As含量的主要影响因素;As在表层、50 cm层属中等程度的空间自相关,空间变异是自然因素和随机因素的协同作用驱动所致;各层土壤理...     

典型产业承接区土壤砷含量的空间分布特征及影响因素

本文以揭阳市为研究区域,采集了1330个表层土壤(0-20 cm)样品和331个深层土壤(150-200 cm)样品,利用富集因子法分析了表层土壤中As的污染状况,通过GIS空间分析技术以及单因素分析法探究了土壤As的空间分布特征以及影响因素.结果表明,研究区表层土壤As含量的均值为6.03 mg?kg-1,低于该区土...     

湖南某植烟土壤重金属含量及其生态风险评价

采集了湖南某植烟区表层土壤样品112份,测定了土壤中6种重金属元素的含量,并采用单因子污染指数法、综合污染指数法和潜在生态危害指数法对其污染状况进行评价.结果表明,植烟区土壤重金属平均含量分别为36.25(Cu)、69.78(Zn)、37.66(Pb)、0.36(Cd)、12.71(As)、0.27(Hg)mg·kg-1.6个元素的变异系数在32.57%—59.03%之间,属于中等变异,元素分布不均.污染评价结果表明,植烟区土壤重金属Cu、Zn、Pb、As的单因子污染指数平均值小于1,其污染较轻.而重金属Cd和Hg的超标率为54.46%和58.04%,土壤受到Cd和Hg污染.潜在生态风险指数评价结果显示植烟区土壤重金属属于轻度污染.相关性分析结果表明Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd之间呈显著相关性,As和Hg相关性显著,说明其同源性较高.来源分析表明,研究区Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd污染来源东北部主要为矿区污染,西南部主要是人为源,As主要来源为成土母质和生活源,Hg主要为大气污染源.     

文山三七(Panax notoginseng)种植区土壤As空间分布特征及理化性质对三七As含量的影响

三七(Panax notoginseng(Burk.)F.H.Chen)是云南文山州的道地中药材,文山州由于地壳原始分化成分的作用和含砷矿的开采等原因,使三七种植区存在普遍的土壤砷污染现象。通过野外大田调查和室内分析相结合的方法,研究了云南文山三七主要种植区(文山县、丘北县、砚山县、广南县)土壤总砷和有效砷的空间分布特征和土壤物理化学特征(pH值、有机质含量、阳离子交换量CEC、总P、速效P、土壤质地),探讨了三七不同部位(茎叶、花果、主根、须根、剪口)As含量的影响因素。将有助于了解文山三七种植区砷污染空间分布特点,寻求三七砷含量的调控途径,对降低三七砷含量和提高三七品质具有一定的实践和理论意义。研究结果表明,(1)土壤有效As和总As平均质量分数分别为0.29 mg·kg-1和28.51mg·kg-1,土壤有效As占总As质量分数的0.06%~2.08%。76.67%的土壤样品总As含量达到国家土壤环境质量的二级标准。土壤有效As和总As含量空间分布表现出西北高,东南低的趋势。(2)三七各部位中As质量分数为0.14~0.32 mg·kg-1,砷含量符合优质三七砷的限量标准(≤1.0 mg·kg-1),三七各部位对As的富集系数为0.004~0.011,均较低。(3)90%的土壤为酸性土壤,pH值≤6.5;土壤全P质量分数为1.27 g·kg-1,土壤速效P质量分数为66.87 mg·kg-1,均属于丰富水平;土壤有机质质量分数为15.77 g·kg-1,CEC为26.74 cmol·kg-1,属于较高水平;40%的土壤为黏土,43.4%为壤质黏土。(4)土壤总As和土壤有效As含量主要受到随机人为因素的影响,表现出与土壤CEC、pH值和有机质含量之间显著的正相关关系。三七须根中As含量与土壤总As、有效As、土壤黏粒含量、CEC、pH值和总P含量之间具有显著的正相关性。总之,壤质黏土、低pH值和CEC有利于降低三七As含量,三七种植过程中应避免施用含As有机肥和磷肥。研究结果在系统了解文山三七种植区的土壤As空间分布和调控途径方面具有一定的创新价值和意义,特别需要关注是三七产业的发展布局中,应该进行适当的引导和科学的安排三七种植区。     

三江平原地区农田土壤中几种重金属空间分布状况

以三江平原地区农田土壤为研究对象,基于网格法取样,运用经典统计学和地统计学方法对研究区域内土壤重金属As、Cr、Cu、Pb和Zn的空间分布特征进行研究。结果表明,三江平原地区5种土壤重金属具有较高的空间异质性,变异系数在30.67%~66.89%之间;As、Cr、Cu、Pb和Zn均具有较强的空间自相关性,空间自相关范围较广;As和Cr的块金值和基台值之比〔C0/(C0+C)〕25%,其空间变异主要由土壤母质、地形和气候等自然因素(结构性变异)引起,Cu、Pb和Zn的C0/(C0+C)为35.8%~43.2%,非结构性因素对Cu、Pb和Zn的影响较大;5种重金属元素的空间分布格局不同,土壤各重金属元素在小尺度范围内存在明显的空间变异,除Cu元素外,其他4种重金属元素在大尺度空间范围内均不具有明显的空间分布规律;采用普通克里格插值法得到三江平原地区表层土壤重金属的空间分布图,发现土壤重金属含量与土壤类型、土壤理化性质、土地利用方式以及矿山开采、农业机械化强度、农业灌溉关系密切。     

广东省土壤砷元素空间变异与环境意义

利用广东省260个土壤剖面数据,开展区域尺度下的土壤砷（As）元素质量分数的空间分布和垂直变异研究。结果显示,研究区土壤砷的几何平均质量分数为10.4 mg.kg-1,高于全国的平均水平9.6 mg.kg-1。表层土壤As的上基线质量分数为23.4 mg.kg-1。土壤As的空间分布特征主要决定其成土母岩的类型,主要表现为A、B、C 3层土壤As的空间展布形式相似,高As背景质量分数主要分布于石灰岩和砂页岩地区。此外,由A层至C层,As质量分数呈逐渐增加的趋势（由低到高依次为10.4 mg.kg-1,10.7 mg.kg-1,11.3 mg.kg-1）,但无底层富集特征,这种垂直变异特征与低有机质含量和强烈的土壤侵蚀作用有关。计算得出,研究区由土壤侵蚀引发的流入周边水体的土壤As每年可高达1 040 t。     

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     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

What Every Conservation Biologist Should Know about Economic Theory

Abstract: The last century has seen the ascendance of a core economic model, which we will refer to as Walrasian economics. This model is driven by the psychological assumptions that humans act only in a self‐referential and narrowly rational way and that production can be described as a self‐contained circular flow between firms and households. These assumptions have critical implications for the way economics is used to inform conservation biology. Yet the Walrasian model is inconsistent with a large body of empirical evidence about actual human behavior, and it violates a number of basic physical laws. Research in behavioral science and neuroscience shows that humans are uniquely social animals and not self‐centered rational economic beings. Economic production is subject to physical laws including the laws of thermodynamics and mass balance. In addition, some contemporary economic theory, spurred by exciting new research in human behavior and a wealth of data about the negative global impact of the human economy on natural systems, is moving toward a world view that places consumption and production squarely in its behavioral and biophysical context. We argue that abandoning the straightjacket of the Walrasian core is essential to further progress in understanding the complex, coupled interactions between the human economy and the natural world. We call for a new framework for economic theory and policy that is consistent with observed human behavior, recognizes the complex and frequently irreversible interaction between human and natural systems, and directly confronts the cumulative negative effects of the human economy on the Earth's life support systems. Biophysical economics and ecological economics are two emerging economic frameworks in this movement.     

Effects of Coffee Management on Deforestation Rates and Forest Integrity

Knowledge about how forest margins are utilized can be crucial for a general understanding of changes in forest cover, forest structure, and biodiversity across landscapes. We studied forest‐agriculture transitions in southwestern Ethiopia and hypothesized that the presence of coffee (Coffea arabica)decreases deforestation rates because of coffee's importance to local economies and its widespread occurrence in forests and forest margins. Using satellite images and elevation data, we compared changes in forest cover over 37 years (1973–2010) across elevations in 2 forest‐agriculture mosaic landscapes (1100 km² around Bonga and 3000 km² in Goma‐Gera). In the field in the Bonga area, we determined coffee cover and forest structure in 40 forest margins that differed in time since deforestation. Both the absolute and relative deforestation rates were lower at coffee‐growing elevations compared with at higher elevations (?10/20% vs. ?40/50% comparing relative rates at 1800 m asl and 2300–2500 m asl, respectively). Within the coffee‐growing elevation, the proportion of sites with high coffee cover (>20%) was significantly higher in stable margins (42% of sites that had been in the same location for the entire period) than in recently changed margins (0% of sites where expansion of annual crops had changed the margin). Disturbance level and forest structure did not differ between sites with 30% or 3% coffee. However, a growing body of literature on gradients of coffee management in Ethiopia reports coffee's negative effects on abundances of forest‐specialist species. Even if the presence of coffee slows down the conversion of forest to annual‐crop agriculture, there is a risk that an intensification of coffee management will still threaten forest biodiversity, including the genetic diversity of wild coffee. Conservation policy for Ethiopian forests thus needs to develop strategies that acknowledge that forests without coffee production may have higher deforestation risks than forests with coffee production and that forests with coffee production often have lower biodiversity value. Efectos de la Administración Cafetalera sobre las Tasas de Deforestación y la Integridad de los Bosques     

Globalization of the Cashmere Market and the Decline of Large Mammals in Central Asia

As drivers of terrestrial ecosystems, humans have replaced large carnivores in most areas, and human influence not only exerts striking ecological pressures on biodiversity at local scales but also has indirect effects in distant corners of the world. We suggest that the multibillion dollar cashmere industry creates economic motivations that link western fashion preferences for cashmere to land use in Central Asia. This penchant for stylish clothing, in turn, encourages herders to increase livestock production which affects persistence of over 6 endangered large mammals in these remote, arid ecosystems. We hypothesized that global trade in cashmere has strong negative effects on native large mammals of deserts and grassland where cashmere‐producing goats are raised. We used time series data, ecological snapshots of the biomass of native and domestic ungulates, and ecologically and behaviorally based fieldwork to test our hypothesis. In Mongolia increases in domestic goat production were associated with a 3‐fold increase in local profits for herders coexisting with endangered saiga (Saiga tatarica).That increasing domestic grazing pressure carries fitness consequences was inferred on the basis of an approximately 4‐fold difference in juvenile recruitment among blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur)in trans‐Himalayan India. Across 7 study areas in Mongolia, India, and China's Tibetan Plateau, native ungulate biomass is now <5% that of domestic species. Such trends suggest ecosystem degradation and decreased capacity for the persistence of native species, including at least 8 Asian endemic species: saiga, chiru (Pantholops hodgsoni), Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), snow leopard(Panthera uncia), khulan(Equus hemionus), kiang (E. kiang), takhi (E. przewalski), and wild yak (Bos mutus). Our results suggest striking yet indirect and unintended actions that link trophic‐level effects to markets induced by the trade for cashmere. Globalización del Mercado de Cachemira y la Declinación de Mamíferos Mayores en Asia Central