矿区周围稻米重金属积累及健康风险分析

选用杂交稻、常规稻和糯稻3个水稻品系共21个水稻品种在广东大宝山矿区周围重金属污染土壤中进行大田试验,研究Cu、Zn、Pb、As和Cd 5种重金属元素在不同水稻品种(品系)稻米中的积累状况,并进行健康风险评价分析。结果表明,供试水稻稻米中Cd和Pb超标率很高,分别为100%和71.43%;Cu和As超标现象不严重,超标率分别为4.76%和14.29%;Zn含量均不超标。供试水稻品系中常规稻和糯稻稻米对Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd的积累能力较高,杂交稻则较低;但杂交稻稻米对As的积累能力高于其他2个品系。稻米中Cu、Zn、Pb、As和Cd含量与稻谷生物量均呈负相关关系,其中Pb含量与稻谷生物量呈显著负相关。供试水稻稻米对5种重金属的富集能力由高到低排序为Cd>Zn>Cu>As>Pb。本研究表明供试土壤中Cd和Pb对人体健康存在比较严重的潜在威胁,Cu、Zn和As对人体健康的潜在危害较小,应重点关注大宝山矿区稻米Cd和Pb的重金属污染问题及其对人体健康的潜在危害。     

电子废物不当处置的重金属污染及其环境风险评价 Ⅱ．分布于人居环境（村镇）内的电子废物拆解作坊及其附近农田的土壤重金属污染

电子废物拆解活动一般集中于村镇内靠近人居环境的区域,其污染对当地居民身体健康的影响最为直接.为了了解电子废物拆解活动所造成的重金属污染,对广东省清远市龙塘镇、石角镇内电子废物拆解作坊共29个表土样本以及附近农田33个土壤样本进行了取样,并分析了重金属Zn、Cu、Pb和Cd含量.结果表明,龙塘镇电子废物拆解作坊表土中4种重金属的总含量平均值高达11086mg·kg-1,远高于电子废物焚烧迹地,其中Zn、Cu、Pb和Cd平均含量分别为3039.6、6371.5、1635.4和39.3mg·kg-1.从事电子废物拆解业历史较短的石角镇的拆解作坊表土中,4种重金属总含量和各金属平均含量均低于龙塘镇,显示出拆解历史越长,污染越严重的倾向.与焚烧工序相比,拆解工序中的Zn、Cd污染更为严重,Cu污染相近,Pb污染相对较低.在拆解作坊附近33个农田土壤样本中,Zn含量不超标,Cd含量超标最严重,超标率为78.8%,最大超标倍数达25.7倍,其次是Cu,超标率为63.7%,最大超标倍数达6.3倍,再次为Pb,超标率为48.5%,最大超标倍数为2.1倍.4种重金属的综合超标率达到81.8%.农田土壤中4种重金属与拆解作坊表土中重金属具有一定的同源性,并表现出共迁移特征.由此可见,研究地区大规模的电子废物拆解活动已对当地居民造成了严重的健康风险。     

贵阳市郊菜园土-辣椒体系中重金属的迁移特征

选择贵阳市郊二戈寨、马铃乡和永乐乡的辣椒地,研究重金属在菜园土-辣椒体系中的迁移过程.结果表明,二戈寨、马铃乡和永乐乡3处采样地点菜园土中存在不同程度的重金属污染,综合污染指数分别为1.17、1.23和2.18,主要污染元素为Zn、Cu、Cd.但辣椒果实中仅有Cd超标.在土壤-辣椒体系各界面间,重金属元素迁移能力大小顺序发生了变化:在土壤-根部间为CdCu＞Zn＞Pb,在根部-茎叶间为Zn＞Cd＞Pb＞Cu,在茎叶-果实间为Cu(＞＞)Zn＞Cd＞Pb.对于Cu、Pb和Zn元素来说,辣椒根-土界面是重金属进入辣椒果实的主要障碍,其生物富集系数BCF值(蔬菜根中重金属含量/土壤中重金属含量)分别在0.21～0.44、0.04～0.24和0.033～0.08之间,而Cd的BCF值却达1.06～4.23,表现为富集作用.Cd的迁移系数TF1值(蔬菜茎叶中重金属含量/根部重金属含量)表明,其在根部-茎叶间的迁移几乎不受阻碍,但在果实-茎叶界面再次受阻,其TF2值(蔬菜果实中重金属含量/茎叶中重金属含量)在0.42～0.51之间.     

电子废弃物拆解区周边农田土壤重金属污染评价及成因解析

深入了解电子废弃物拆解、倾倒及扩散引发的土壤环境问题,有助于根据土壤重金属污染程度及其潜在生态风险实现拆解区周边农田土壤的分类分级管理和科学合理利用。在浙江台州(国内电子废弃物三大拆解基地之一)某典型电子废弃物拆解区的拆解点、倾倒点及周边农田随机采集12个土壤样本,测定了土壤重金属(Cd、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb、Zn)质量分数与污染指数,并开展了生态风险评估与成因推测研究。从研究区土壤重金属单项污染指数(以所有样点的平均值计)来看,Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn为重度污染,Cr与Ni分别为中度与轻微污染,其中Cd、Pb与Cu分别具有极强、强和中等生态危害,而Ni、Cr、Zn具有轻微生态危害。从具体样点来看,电子废弃物拆解点和倾倒点土壤重金属污染指数最高分别达164.2和152.9(均为重度污染),其潜在生态风险指数最高分别达2 685和6 914(均为很强生态危害);57.14%的农田样点土壤重金属已达中度至重度污染水平,28.57%的农田样点土壤重金属生态危害达中等级别。主成分分析与相关性分析结果显示,研究区土壤重金属污染存在两条主要扩散途经,首要的是电子废弃物拆解产生的粉尘与焚烧产生的飞灰随大气沉降而产生的污染,次要的是拆解点与废渣倾倒点经雨水冲刷、淋溶下渗、地表径流所造成的污染。结果表明,研究区土壤重金属污染较为普遍,且以Cd、Pb、Cu为主,Zn、Cr、Ni次之;电子废弃物拆解与处置过程中重金属的扩散途径以空气传输为主、雨水迁移为辅。     

矿冶区周边水稻对不同来源重金属污染的指示作用

有色金属开采与冶炼可对周边环境造成严重的重金属污染,查明重金属污染来源对于矿冶周边重金属污染管理与控制具有重要意义.为探索利用矿冶周边水稻对As、Cd、Pb、Zn和Cu的富集与水稻体内元素的含量平衡特征指示重金属污染来源的可行性,选择了我国著名的水口山Pb-Zn矿山开采与冶炼周边区,根据重金属污染排放和迁移扩散特征,结合当地气象和地貌条件,确定了3个典型采样区,其中两个采样区分别邻近冶炼厂和尾砂库,另一处为位于两者之间的过渡区.采用蛇形采样法在稻田内采集33个成熟水稻及土壤样品,分析水稻不同部位(包括根、茎叶、籽粒)及土壤中As、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu5种重金属和其他16种元素的含量.结果表明,3个采样区之间土壤中的As、Cd、Pb、Zn和Cu含量均存在显著性差异;各采样区水稻中除根际和籽粒中Cd含量外,各部位重金属含量也均有显著差异.靠近冶炼厂的水稻茎叶中As、Pb含量高于离冶炼厂较远的采样区水稻茎叶.尽管As、Pb在靠近尾砂库采样区土壤中含量最高,但在该区水稻茎叶中的含量却最低;在除As、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu5种重金属以外的其他16种元素中,水稻根部仅有5种元素含量在各采样区之间存在差异,指示相同的土地利用类型及土壤母质条件;而在茎叶和籽粒中则分别有多达11和10种元素含量出现采样区差异,指示重金属污染来源影响水稻茎叶及籽粒中元素的含量平衡.多元统计分析结果显示,3个采样区水稻茎叶中元素含量平衡存在显著的分异,显示出明显的采样区属性.结合采样区域空间位置、污染物来源、水稻对重金属的富集与转运特征分析,3个采样区重金属主要污染特征可分别确定为水-气混合来源型、大气来源型和尾砂来源型.论文结果证明利用水稻茎叶指示矿冶周边重金属污染来源是可行的.     

贵州煤矿区成熟期水稻中重金属的分布特征及风险评价

污水灌溉已经成为解决缺水地区农业用水的重要途径,也是导致土壤重金属污染的重要因素,甚至威胁着农产品的安全。为了研究重金属在植物体内的分布特征及对人体的安全性,以贵州兴仁长期受污水(即酸性矿坑废水)灌溉影响的水稻为研究对象,分析成熟期水稻样品不同部位中Fe、Mn、Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr和Ni等重金属的含量变化及分布规律,同时以《食品安全国家标准食品中污染物限量》(GB 2762—2017)评价了糙米的安全性,并应用USEPA推荐的RfD值评估经食物链暴露的糙米重金属对成人和儿童所产生的健康风险。结果表明,除Mn、Zn和Ni外,水稻各器官(根、茎、叶、糙米)对Fe、Cu、Pb、Cd和Cr的积累能力为根茎或叶糙米,污灌区水稻根部富集的重金属高于对照区。采样区糙米中Pb、Cd、Cr的含量均超过食品安全标准的2~8倍,尤其Cr表现更为突出。以R_fD作为参考值的风险评价结果表明,污灌稻田供试糙米中重金属的日摄入量对成人及儿童均具有潜在的危害,且成人平均日摄入的Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、Ni的量是相应元素R_fD值的2、1.3、5、31及6.2倍,表现出Cr的食物暴露风险最大,而Pb、Cd、Ni的暴露风险中度。为了研究区的食品安全及人体健康,除了需对灌溉用水进行处理外,还需采用适当的方法去除土壤中的Cr和Cd等重金属。     

有色矿业区耕作土壤、蔬菜和大米中重金属污染

有色金属矿业区周边土壤重金属污染严重,对我国生态环境质量、食品安全和人体健康构成了一定威胁,研究典型矿业区周边复合污染地带的土壤环境质量及其食物安全对促进其可持续发展具有深远的意义。从湖南省的长沙、株洲、衡阳、郴州等有色金属矿业区收集耕作土壤、蔬菜和大米样品,结合主成分分析、聚类分析和相关分析,研究其中重金属元素的累积和迁移特征,评估蔬菜和大米中重金属元素对人体健康的潜在危害程度。研究结果表明,耕作土壤中主要重金属污染元素为Cd、As、Pb、Cu、Zn等;主成分分析表明,菜地土中第一主成分主要反映了Pb、Zn、Cd、As的复合污染信息以及与土壤pH的相关关系;水稻土中第一主成分主要反映了Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd的复合污染信息;聚类分析进一步阐明耕作土壤以Cd、Pb、As、Cu、Zn为主的复合污染特征。研究区蔬菜中Cd、Pb、As、Cu、Zn、Cr含量,大米中Cd、Pb和Zn含量均明显超过我国食品卫生标准;蔬菜中Cd、Pb、As和大米中Cd、Pb对人体健康的潜在危害较大。     

龙塘镇电子垃圾拆解区土壤和河流底泥重金属赋存形态及生态风险

龙塘镇是珠三角电子垃圾拆解区之一,采用AAS方法对该地土壤和河流底泥沉积物中5种重金属(Cd、Cr、Cu、Zn和Pb)含量进行测定分析,结果显示周围农田土壤中Cd含量是《国家土壤质量标准》二级标准的3倍左右,是广东省土壤背景值的20倍左右;拆解区土壤Cd超标最为严重,最高达5.67倍,超过广东省土壤背景值达36.17倍;拆解区下游0—1500 m河流底泥中Cd、Cr、Cu、Zn和Pb含量大幅增加且部分金属超标,Cd在0—40 cm深度内含量总体逐渐降低,仍远超背景值,Cu含量采样深度内递减规律最显著且在0—10 cm内含量超标,Cr、Zn和Pb除部分点位在表层积累较多外,其余与背景值相差不大且未超标.采用BCR(the Community Bureau of Reference)法提取重金属不同形态可知,底泥中Cd主要以弱酸溶态和可还原态为主,Cu主要以可氧化态存在,Cr主要以残渣态存在,而Zn和Pb则以可还原态为主;其中Cd的可提取态比例较高(60%),容易释放出来形成"二次污染".潜在生态风险结果表明,河流底泥中Cd生态危害程度属于极强(Ei320);其他金属Cr、Cu、Zn和Pb危害风险程度属于轻微(Ei40);金属Cd对整个RI值贡献最大(88%),应重点加强对Cd污染的防控.     

湛江沿海盐渍田土壤-稻米系统重金属含量与土壤酶活性的特征及其相关分析

沿海盐渍田中耐盐水稻的种植可以有效利用土地资源,增加中国粮食总产量。探究湛江沿海盐渍田土壤-稻米重金属含量与土壤酶活性的特征及其相关关系,对评估湛江沿海盐渍田环境、农产品安全风险具有重大意义。以湛江5个区域沿海盐渍田种植耐盐水稻海红11的土壤-稻米系统为研究对象,采集了土壤样品及相应稻米,测定了脲酶、蔗糖酶、过氧化氢酶等3种土壤酶活性及土壤和稻米中Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb、Zn等5种重金属含量,采用单因子污染指数及内梅罗综合指数对重金属含量进行评价,对土壤、稻米重金属含量之间的关系作了生物富集系数与简单相关性分析,并对土壤重金属与酶活性进行了一元线性及非线性回归分析。结果表明,5个研究区域土壤及其稻米的5种重金属含量均未超过国家标准,但与1996年雷州半岛砖红壤背景值比较,研究区域盐渍田土壤存在着重金属富集的趋势,受人为活动影响较大,其中Cd的单因子污染指数最高,那么其为影响研究区土壤重金属污染的主要因子。研究区稻米重金属含量均未超过限量值,5种重金属富集能力大小的顺序为ZnCdCuCr=Pb。土壤与稻米重金属含量的相关性分析结果表明,土壤、稻米中重金属含量关系紧密,土壤中重金属含量直接影响稻米重金属含量。通过土壤重金属与酶活性的回归分析统计发现,过氧化氢酶活性与土壤Cu、Zn含量达到显著性负相关,脲酶活性与土壤Cu含量之间的回归关系也均达到了极显著负相关水平,因此,在湛江沿海盐渍田中,将过氧化氢酶作为评估Cu、Zn污染程度,脲酶作为评估Cu污染程度的生化指标是可行的。这些结果可为沿海盐渍田的修复、环境与农产品安全风险管控提供科学依据。     

废弃铅锌冶炼厂重金属污染场地的健康风险评价

通过对广西某废弃铅锌冶炼厂区进行布点采样、监测分析,选取Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、As六种重金属元素作为评价因子,对污染场地进行健康风险评价.结果显示,指数评价法表明厂区污染状况为废渣＞＞建筑垃圾＞土壤,Cd ＞Zn ＞As ＞Pb ＞Cu＞ Cr,土壤受到中度污染,废渣和建筑垃圾受到重度污染.健康风险评价法表明土壤、废渣和建筑垃圾的危害商分别为2.032、13.891、2.975,非致癌危害废渣＞＞建筑垃圾＞土壤;Cu、Zn、Cr、Cd、As的危害商分别为0.053、0.118、0.184、7.001、11.542,非致癌危害As ＞Cd ＞Cr＞Zn ＞Cu.土壤、废渣和建筑垃圾的致癌风险分别为5.387E-04、7.954E-04、2.455E-04,致癌危害废渣＞土壤＞建筑垃圾;As、Cd、Cr的致癌风险分别为5233E-04、2.400E-05、1.032E-03,致癌危害Cr＞As ＞Cd.综上,人体健康危害废渣＞建筑垃圾＞土壤,主要危害元素为As、Cd、Cr.     

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.