养殖虾塘常见耐药菌的分离鉴定与耐药基因检测

了解水产养殖区中抗生素耐药菌的分布及抗生素耐药基因的污染现状,有助于科学、合理地使用抗生素。采用诺氟沙星抗性平板和红霉素抗性平板统计虾塘泥样和水样中耐药微生物数量,从中筛选得到60株耐药菌株。基于16Sr DNA序列分析完成部分菌株的鉴定,同时,对耐药菌株携带的喹诺酮类(诺氟沙星)抗性基因gyr A及大环内酯类(红霉素)抗性基因erm B进行了扩增及测序分析。结果表明,虾塘水样细菌在诺氟沙星抗性平板中均未生长,虾塘泥样细菌对诺氟沙星的耐药率分别为0.36%、0.82%;1号虾塘泥样和水样中细菌对红霉素的耐药率分别为23.33%、18.50%,2号虾塘泥样和水样中细菌对红霉素的耐药率分别为20.00%、12.50%。耐药菌16S rDNA鉴定结果如下:南极适冷菌(Rheinheimera sp.)7株、不动杆菌(Acinetobacter sp.)6株、微杆菌(Microbacterium sp.)3株、厦门希瓦氏菌(Shewanella xiamenensis)2株、嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonashydrophila)2株、豚鼠气单胞菌(Aeromonascaviae)1株。1号虾塘gyr A检出率为43.33%,erm B检出率为30.00%;2号虾塘gyr A检出率为10.00%,erm B检出率为70.00%。耐药基因序列比对结果显示,所测菌株序列与数据库中相应耐药基因序列相似性均≥97%。     

浙江沿海藻类共生细菌的生理生化特性研究

利用梯度稀释法,从浙江象山、朱家尖等海域所采集的几种海藻中分离出海洋细菌50株,运用杯碟法研究了其胞外代谢产物活性,结果表明,100%的菌株含有胶原蛋白酶、淀粉酶,96%的菌株含有酪蛋白酶,70%的菌株含有酯酶,30%的菌株含有卵磷脂酶、脲酶,还有6%含微量的壳多糖水解酶。同时将这50株菌分别培养在高温(55℃)、高盐(质量分数5.5×10-2)、酸性(pH4.5)环境中,同样对胞外产物活性进行分析。结果显示:外界环境胁迫下,水解明胶、淀粉、酪蛋白和吐温的酶活性仍然存在,但活性有了很大的变化。因胶原蛋白酶、酪蛋白酶能分解胶原蛋白等成分,淀粉酶具分解淀粉、糖原的作用,因此,这些细菌的产物对其他生物有毒害作用,可能是致病菌,也可能对已知致病菌起抑制、破坏作用。本研究为寻找海洋活性先导化合物,为海洋药物的开发等提供了广阔的前景。     

一株除草剂氰氟草酯降解菌的分离鉴定与降解特性

氰氟草酯(Calofop-buty1)是一种芳氧苯氧羧酸酯类除草剂,其迁移、转化和分解等行为对环境及人类健康具有潜在危害.为了解其微生物代谢机制,从长期使用氰氟草酯的稻田土壤中分离到1株氰氟草酯降解菌株,命名为QDZ-B.菌株QDZ-B的16S rDNA基因序列长度为1 400 bp,在RDP数据库比对结果表明其与寡养食单胞菌属菌株的同源性最近,与模式菌株嗜麦寡养食单胞菌Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(AB008509)的同源性为99.8%.根据表型特征、生理生化特性和16S rDNA序列同源性分析,将菌株QDZ-B鉴定为寡养单胞菌属(Stenotrophomonas sp.).接种量为5%时,菌株QDZ-B在基础盐液体培养基中5 d对100 mg L-1氰氟草酯的降解率约为88.2%.菌株QDZ-B的降解效果与接种量成正相关,但接种量大于5%时,降解效率趋于平稳.菌株QDZ-B降解氰氟草酯的最适温度为30℃,最适pH为7.0.通过质谱分析鉴定了3个菌株QDZ-B降解氰氟草酯的代谢产物,分别为氰氟草酸、氰氟草酰胺和2-氟-3-对-乙氧基苯氧基苯酰胺.     

钻井液及其组分对中肋骨条藻的毒性效应（Toxic Effects of Water-Based Drilling Fluid and Its Components on Skeletonema costatum）

为探讨钻井液及其组分的毒性效应,采用荧光技术研究了一种水基钻井液WBF及其7种主要组分(HXJ、PAC141、KPAM、PolyAL、XC、PolyA、Mud)对海洋微藻中肋骨条藻(Skeletonema costatum)的毒性作用,以未加入WBF或其组分的中肋骨条藻的叶绿素荧光强度为参照,计算得到钻井液及其组分对中肋骨条藻不同时间的EC50值.结果表明:WBF的7种单组分中,PolyA对中肋骨条藻的96h EC50=2×103mg·L-1,为有毒组分,PolyAL的96h EC50=3×104mg·L-1,为低毒组分,其余5种组分无毒;WBF的有毒和低毒组分复配时其毒性与作用时间有关,PolyA与PolyAL在24h之内表现为协同作用,之后主要表现为拮抗作用;WBF的毒性主要取决于其有毒组分,而低毒和无毒组分对钻井液的毒性有协同增强作用.     

土壤栽培和无土栽培菜心中内生细菌比较及分离鉴定

菜心(Brassica parachinensis)是华南地区的一种特色蔬菜.为探究无土栽培和土壤栽培菜心内生细菌的差异,以这两种栽培方式的菜心为材料,分离内生细菌.根据插入序列指纹图谱(IS-PCR)结果进行聚类,对代表性菌株的16S rRNA基因序列进行系统发育分析,并将菌株加入无土栽培营养液中,收获后测定菜心的的相对叶绿素含量(SPAD)和可溶性糖含量.结果显示,从两种菜心中共分离到31株内生细菌,IS-PCR结果将其聚为9个类群,16S rRNA基因鉴定其分别属于Bacillus sp.(芽孢杆菌属)、Rhizobium sp.(根瘤菌属)、Microbacterium sp.(微杆菌属)、Leifsonia sp.(雷夫松氏菌属)、Sphingomonassp.(鞘氨醇单胞菌属)、Alcaligenessp.(产碱菌属)和Agrobacteriumsp.(农杆菌属).土壤栽培菜心中可培养细菌数目多于无土栽培菜心,且土壤栽培菜心中内生细菌的碳代谢更多样化.生理生化实验显示,部分菌株能分泌生长素和铁载体.加入土壤栽培菜心中分离得到的菌株SCG14和SCG0802后,无土栽培菜心的相对叶绿素含量和可溶性糖含量比对照显著提高.本研究表明无土栽培和土壤栽培的菜心中的内生细菌在种类、数目、分布部位和碳源利用能力上有差异;此外,分离得到的菌株能提高无土栽培菜心的相对叶绿素以及可溶性糖含量,有开发为微生物制剂的潜力.(图4表6参35)     

嗜盐光合细菌的分离鉴定及其营养成分分析

从大连海岸的海泥中分离到 4株海洋光合细菌 :菌株C4 10、菌株DS2、菌株E3 和E4,它们都能在厌氧光照下营光异养生长 ,菌株C4 10还能够利用还原性硫化物营光自养生长 .依菌对NaCl的需求 ,菌株C4 10、DS2归属于嗜盐光合细菌 ,菌株E3 和E4属于耐盐光合细菌 .根据形态和培养特征、生理生化特征、光合作用内膜结构、泛醌组成、(G +C)的摩尔百分比等指标 ,菌株C4 10鉴定为Rhodovulumsulfidophilus (嗜硫小红卵菌 )、菌株DS2鉴定为Rhodobiummarinum (海红菌 )、菌株E3 和E4鉴定为Rhodobacterazotoformans.4株菌的营养成分分析表明 ,它们的细胞的最大生长量为 4× 10 9mL-1.粗蛋白含量占细胞干重的 5 5 %左右 ,菌株DS2高达 6 4 .2 % .4菌株所含氨基酸种类齐全 ,特别具备人和动物所必需的氨基酸 .4株菌均含有辅酶Q10和类胡萝卜素 .其中菌株C4 10的类葫萝卜素含量最高 .图 1表 6参 14     

川西亚高山针叶林凋落物对土壤理化性质的影响

研究了川西地区亚高山人工云杉林及天然林凋落物变化及其对土壤理化性质的影响.结果表明30 a人工云杉林、40 a人工云杉林及次生林和原始林年凋落量分别为2.67×103 kg hm-2、4.38×103 kg hm-2、4.27×103 kg hm-2和4.77×103 kg hm-2,枯枝落叶层贮量分别为3.19×104 kg hm-2、3.64×104 kg hm-2、1.42×105 kg hm-2和1.45×105 kg hm-2,通过凋落物归还土壤的营养元素(N、P、K、Ca和Mg)的年归还总量依次为82.01 kg hm-2、129.04 kg hm-2、130.57 kg hm-2、170.55 kg hm-2,凋落物年失重率分别为24.35%、22.87%、36.96%和32.23%,人工林凋落物分解一半所需时间约为2.5 a,天然林约为1.6 a.各样地土壤含水量、孔隙度和养分含量大致表现为次生林≈原始林>30 a人工林>40 a人工林.森林年凋落量、枯枝落叶层贮量、养分归还量和年失重率与土壤自然含水率、有机质、N、P、K的含量呈正相关,与土壤容重呈负相关.人工云杉林生态功能的恢复滞后于次生林,凋落物分解缓慢是影响该地区土壤水分和养分状况的重要因素.人工云杉林进入旺盛生长期后,凋落量增加,养分归还量增大,此时期森林对土壤肥力有较高的补给潜力;但凋落物分解过缓,大量养分元素累积于枯枝落叶层,不能及时进入土壤,造成土壤理化性质状况较差.图1 表6 参18     

梧县药用野生稻内生固氮菌分离鉴定与系统发育分析

以广西梧县药用野生稻为材料,采用两种无氮培养基及改变其碳源的无氮培养基分离纯化野生稻内生固氮菌,用乙炔还原法检测固氮酶活性;并结合插入序列指纹图谱进行聚类分析,测定各类群代表菌株的16S r RNA序列分析其系统发育;进一步扩增nif H基因片段以验证固氮菌,并通过生理生化试验筛选出具有较好功能的内生固氮菌.共分离得到27株内生固氮菌,固氮酶活性范围0.872-103.077 nmol m L~(-1) h~(-1);聚类分析6个类群中,类群Ⅰ代表菌株111与嗜麦芽窄食单胞菌(Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MTCC 434T)相似性为99.61%,类群Ⅱ代表菌株与肺炎克雷伯氏肺炎亚种(Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp.pneumoniae DSM 30104T)相似性为99.48%,类群Ⅲ代表菌株23与Kosaconia sacchari SP1T相似性为99.74%,类群Ⅳ代表菌株JX41′与Enterobacter oryzendophytics LMG 26432T相似性为98.51%,类群V代表菌株a32N与肺炎克雷伯氏鼻硬结亚种(Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp.rhinoscleromatis ATCC 13884T)相似性为99.74%,类群Ⅵ代表菌株15C3与变栖克雷伯氏(Klebsiella variicola DSM 15968T)相似性为99.74%.nif H基因片段检测进一步验证分离的细菌为固氮菌,发现类群I未扩增得到nif H片段,有可能代表一类新的固氮体系,有待进一步研究.类群VI 15C3具有产脲酶、较强分泌生长素的能力,且同时具有溶磷解硅、产铁载体和分泌硫化氢的能力,具有较强促生作用,有很好的应用前景.本研究表明梧县药用野生稻内生固氮菌资源具有遗传多样性,并筛选得到一类具有促生特性内生固氮菌,应用前景广泛.     

敌敌畏对鲫鱼的急性毒性及类球红细菌的解毒作用(Acute Toxicity of Dichlorvos to Carassius auratus and the Detoxification by Rhodobacter sphaeroides)

敌敌畏是使用最为广泛的有机磷农药之一,具有较高的水溶性,对水生动物的危害较大.为初步探讨水体中敌敌畏降解菌对中毒鱼类的解毒作用,测定了敌敌畏对鲫鱼(Carassius auratus)幼鱼的急性毒性,调查了一株敌敌畏高效降解菌——类球红细菌(Rhodobacter sphaeroides)的解毒作用.结果表明:敌敌畏对鲫鱼幼鱼48、72、96h的LC50分别为45.1、30.4、23.3mg·L-1,安全浓度为2.3mg·L-1,属低毒农药.在不同敌敌畏暴露浓度的养鱼水中添加类球红细菌(5×107CFU·mL-1)可以显著降低鲫鱼的死亡率,20mg·L-1和35mg·L-1敌敌畏暴露浓度下,鲫鱼96h死亡率分别由40%和100%降低至0和15%;利用液相色谱检测了敌敌畏在添加和不添加类球红细菌的养鱼水中的降解规律,发现类球红细菌的解毒作用主要是对水中敌敌畏的快速降解,降解过程中没有积累有毒代谢产物.     

对苯二甲酸二甲酯及其异构体的好氧微生物降解

从红树林底泥中以对苯二甲酸二甲酯和间苯二甲酸二甲酯为碳和能源通过富集培养分离到 5株细菌 ,并对其进行了鉴定 ,分别是PasteurellamultocidaSDMTa (多杀巴斯德氏菌 )、KlebsiellaoxytocaSDMTb (产酸克雷伯氏菌 )、Klebsiellasp .SDMTc (克雷伯氏菌株 )、SphingomonaspaucimobilisSDMIy (少动鞘氨醇单胞菌 )和Methylobac teriummesophilicumSDMIr (嗜中温甲基杆菌 ) .这些微生物对对苯二甲酸二甲酯及其异构体间苯二甲酸二甲酯有较强的降解能力 .在pH为 7的条件下 ,浓度为 98mg/L的对苯二甲酸二甲酯 (DMT)可在 36d内被完全降解 ,主要中间产物为对苯二甲酸一甲酯 (MMT)和对苯二甲酸 (TA) .在混合培养条件下 ,浓度达 2 2 0mg/L的间苯二甲酸二甲酯在 35d内降解达 99%以上 ,但其中间产物间苯二甲酸一甲酯 (MMI)不能被降解而在培养液中积累 .根据鉴定出的中间产物 ,对苯二甲酸二甲酯的生化降解途径为 :DMT→MMT→TA→CO2 H2 O .研究结果表明 ,对苯二甲酸二甲酯的 2个酯基的水解是决定其完全矿化的重要起始步骤 .对苯二甲酸二甲酯比间苯二甲酸二甲酯更容易被降解 .图 6表 2参 18     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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     

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.