镉胁迫对龙葵幼苗光合特性和营养元素吸收的影响

采用模拟镉污染土壤培养法研究了镉对龙葵(Solarium nigrum L)幼苗光合特性及营养元素吸收的影响.结果表明:镉处理显著降低龙葵幼苗叶片色素含量.T1-T4镉处理下,龙葵叶绿素a、叶绿素b和类胡萝卜素含量的降幅分别为4.53%～32.39%、5.12%～29.89%和4.54%～19.82%0随镉处理浓度的增加,龙葵幼苗叶片净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)和蒸腾速率(Tr)均呈下降趋势,T1-T4镉处理下,分别较对照(CK)下降6.01%～61.71%、17.94%～55.32%和17.68%～68.10%,而胞间CO2浓度(Ci)则增加8.19%～30.04%.同时,可变荧光和最大荧光之比(Fv/Fm)显著降低.镉处理还导致龙葵植株营养元素吸收紊乱.镉促进龙葵叶片和根系K吸收,对Na吸收影响不显著.同时,镉促进根系Mg吸收,但抑制其向地上部转运.低浓度镉处理促进叶片Ca吸收.龙葵根、茎、叶Zn含量随镉处理浓度的提高均表现为低促高抑.根系Cu吸收随镉浓度提高而增加,叶片先增后降,各器官Fe含量随镉浓度提高逐渐降低,而根系Mn含量受镉抑制.     

蔗糖浓度和光强对姜试管苗生长和光合的影响

研究了0%、1%、3%三个蔗糖浓度和60、120、180 μmol m-2 s-1三个光强梯度对河南张良姜和四川竹根姜试管苗生长和光合作用的影响.结果表明,随着蔗糖浓度的降低,两个品种试管苗的生长受到明显抑制,叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量也随之下降,但总光合速率(Pg)、净光合速率(Pn)和暗呼吸速率(Rd)却随之升高, Fv/Fm均以3%蔗糖处理最低.将光强从60 μmol m-2 s-1提高到120 μmol m-2 s-1,对试管苗生长有一定促进作用,但180 μmol m-2 s-1光强下其生长受到抑制.两个品种的叶绿素含量随光强增加均呈下降趋势.张良姜Pn以120 μmol m-2 s-1光强处理最高,竹根姜Pn随培养光强升高而升高, 180 μmol m-2 s-1光强下达到最大值,为0.88 μmol m-2 s-1. 180 μmol m-2 s-1光强下培养的张良姜试管苗Fv/Fm明显降低,发生了光抑制.竹根姜各光强处理间Fv/Fm无显著差异.张良姜试管苗的Rd随培养光强升高而增大,而竹根姜各光强处理间Rd差异不显著.表6参22     

不同谷氨酸浓度下钝顶螺旋藻的生长反应

通过在Zarrouk培养基中添加不同浓度的谷氨酸（Glu）对螺旋藻进行混合营养培养，研究了不同浓度的Glu对螺旋藻的生长、叶绿素、蛋白质含量以及光合作用的影响，结果表明，Glu浓度小于1．0gL^-1时，藻生长状态、生理活性都明显优于Z氏培养基，其中以在0．8gL^-1浓度时生长最好；当Glu浓度为1．0gL^-1时，藻的生长状态与Z氏培养基中极为相似；Glu浓度大于1．0gL^-1时，对藻的生长产生一定抑制作用，Glu的添加对藻液体系的pH值有一定的缓冲作用，图4表2参7     

多壁碳纳米管与镉复合污染对水稻生长的影响

选取水稻(Oryza sativa)为研究对象,采用营养液水培法,以营养液(0 mg·L~(-1) MWCNTs、0 mg·L~(-1) Cd~(2+))为参照,分析不同浓度梯度下多壁碳纳米管(MWCNTs)单一处理、MWCNTs与Cd~(2+)复合处理对水稻生长的影响.结果表明,MWCNTs单一处理中,水稻幼苗的生长与MWCNTs添加浓度呈明显负相关.低浓度的MWCNTs(1.5 mg·L~(-1))对水稻幼苗的生长产生抑制作用,较高浓度的MWCNTs(≥6.0 mg·L~(-1))会显著(P0.05)抑制水稻幼苗的生长.添加5 mg·L~(-1) Cd~(2+)会增强MWCNTs对水稻幼苗的生长抑制,当MWCNTs浓度从1.5 mg·L~(-1)上升到12 mg·L~(-1),单一处理组与复合处理组相比,水稻幼苗的根系活力分别下降6.4%、10.4%、24.4%和13.9%;水稻幼苗的叶绿素含量显著降低;复合处理组的水稻叶片的POD活性略高于单一处理组,分别高出11.0%、46.1%、5.6%、11.6%;水稻幼苗叶片气孔导度变小、胞间CO_2浓度升高、光合速率减慢.MWCNTs与Cd~(2+)对水稻幼苗的生长具有明显的协同抑制效应.     

亚热带不同林地植物光合作用对空气CO_2浓度增高的响应

以桃金娘、荷木及九节和罗伞分别代表生长在密林、中等疏密林和疏林植物 .在较高空气CO2 浓度下 ,随着光强增加 ,疏林的桃金娘光合速率 (An/ μmolm-2 s-1)与光强关系曲线的最初直线部分斜率为 0 .0 5 1,而中等疏密林的荷木和九节则分别为 0 .0 39和 0 .0 34 ,密林的罗伞则较低 ,仅为 0 .0 2 2 .疏林桃金娘的不包括光呼吸的CO2 补偿点为Γ 38.1μLL-1,较荷木和九节分别约高 8.8%和 10 .7% ;较罗伞约高 14.7% .除罗伞有较低光呼吸速率外 ,疏林的桃金娘和中等疏密林荷木及九节的光呼吸速率 (Rd)相似 .光合作用的Rup2 饱和速率 (Vcmax)80 .2 μmolm-2 s-1,较荷木和九节分别高 2 4.8%和 2 2 .9% ,表明生长在疏林的桃金娘有较大羧化作用潜力 .实际电子传递速率与Rup2 再生有关 ,桃金娘的实际电子传递速率为 10 2 .7μmolm-2 s-1,明显较荷木和九节高 .罗伞有低的电子传导率 ,可能罗伞光合速率受Rup2 再生的明显限制 .桃金娘的光能转化效率δ为 0 .47electrons/quan tum .而中等疏密林的荷木和九节则为 0 .2 3和 0 .2 6electrons/quantum .疏林植物生长快 ,光合产物库不受限制时 ,空气CO2 浓度增高 ,有利于促进阳生阔叶树种的光合速率持续增高 ,促进其种群优势 .图 4表 1参 12     

锰污染土壤对酸模叶蓼氮素代谢的影响

探讨超富集植物高浓度金属富集量对其生理机制的影响,对于了解超富集植物强大的解毒机制与其生理机制的相关性有重要意义。采用室内原矿土栽培的方法,研究了贺州某锰矿区未开采区(T2)、探矿区(T3)、恢复区(T4)、开采区(T5)、尾矿库(T6)土壤及桂林未受污染的菜园土(T1)对锰超富集植物酸模叶蓼(Polygonum lapathifolium L.)生长,锰吸收,叶片铵态氮、硝态氮、游离脯氨酸、可溶性蛋白质含量及氮素代谢关键酶(硝酸还原酶NR)、谷氨酰胺合成酶GS、谷氨酸合酶GOGAT和谷氨酸脱氢酶GDH)活性的影响。结果表明,随着Mn处理浓度的提高,酸模叶蓼根、茎、叶中Mn含量显著增加(P0.05),叶绿素a、叶绿素b和总叶绿素在T3处理时含量最高,此时分别为对照的1.15、1.23和1.17倍,但所有锰处理下酸模叶蓼生物量无显著性差异(P0.05)。Mn处理一定程度上提高了叶片中可溶性蛋白质含量,引起了酸模叶蓼氮素代谢关键酶活性的变化及硝态氮、铵态氮和脯氨酸含量的显著增加(P0.05)。T6处理硝态氮、铵态氮和脯氨酸含量最高,分别比对照提高了17.6%、43.8%和206.2%。NR、GS和GOGAT活性呈先增加后降低的变化趋势,NR、GS和GOGAT活性分别在T2、T3、T4处理时最高,此时分别比对照提高了6.4%、28.8%和66.4%。GDH活性则随着Mn处理浓度的增加而增加,在T6处理时活性最高,比对照提高了1.74倍。以上表明,GDH在解毒Mn毒害过程中具有重要作用。     

苯酚对两种微囊藻生长的作用效应

用不同浓度的苯酚处理无毒铜绿微囊藻和有毒铜绿微囊藻。结果显示不加苯酚处理时，有毒藻生长量明显高于无毒藻；100μg／mL的苯酚促进无毒藻生长而抑制有毒藻的生长；苯酚浓度增至200μg／mL，无毒藻的生长才受到抑制。高浓度苯酚胁迫下的藻细胞：光合速率大幅度降低；可溶性蛋白含量减少；细胞膜透性增大；超氧阴离子(O2^-)产生速率和丙二醛(MDA)相对含量升高；超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性降低。这些变化有毒藻较无毒藻更显著。表明：有毒微囊藻是水华中的优势种群；两种藻中有毒藻对苯酚的敏感性更大。     

干旱胁迫过程中外源钙对忍冬光合生理的影响

以不同浓度Ca2＋对干旱胁迫处理下的忍冬进行化学调控,研究外源Ca2＋对干旱胁迫处理下忍冬叶片中叶绿素含量、可溶性糖含量、游离脯氨酸含量、过氧化氢酶活性以及光合速率的影响,以探讨外源Ca2＋对缓解干旱胁迫下忍冬光合作用下降的作用机制。结果表明,干旱胁迫下,忍冬的正常生理代谢明显受到抑制,叶绿素质量分数、可溶性糖质量分数、游离脯氨酸质量分数、过氧化氢酶活性以及光合速率分别降低到0.4 mg·g-1、0.06~0.1 mg·g-1、0.8 mg·g-1、0.25 u.mg-1和12~14μmol·m-2.s-1;当施入钙离子后,干旱胁迫对忍冬的伤害得到不同程度的缓解,并在最大程度上稳定叶绿素含量和CAT活性;并能使脯氨酸和可溶性糖的积累显著减少。说明外源Ca2＋能够在一定程度上弥补干旱胁迫导致的Ca2＋亏缺,使植物维持较正常的生理活动,稳定细胞膜结构,维持体内离子吸收平衡,维持较高的光合速率并保护光合结构。     

大气高CO2浓度对油菜氮素同化累积与植株生长的影响

为了指导高CO2浓度条件下甘蓝型油菜Brassica napus L.合理施氮、创建油菜高产高效以及进一步探明油菜氮代谢的调节机制提供理论依据,本研究采用微区试验,研究2个油菜品种（沪油15-33号和742-2）在2个CO2浓度水平（自然CO2摩尔分数400μmol·mol-1和高CO2摩尔分数（800±20）μmol·mol-1）和2个氮素水平（施氮与不施氮）条件下,氮素同化酶（NR和GS）活性和可溶性蛋白含量的变化,以及油菜地上部干物质量和氮素累积量的响应。试验结果表明,高CO2浓度会提高NR和GS活性;在氮素处理的影响方面,NR活性的变化与油菜的品种和生育时期不同有关：在高CO2浓度条件下,品种A在各时期的施氮处理的酶活性高于不施氮处理;品种B只在抽薹期的施氮处理低于不施氮处理,其他时期则升高;对于GS酶活性,在自然CO2浓度条件下施氮会提高GS酶活性,高CO2浓度条件下施氮则降低其活性（苗期除外）。CO2浓度升高会降低叶片中可溶性蛋白含量（盛花期除外）;在正常CO2浓度下,增施氮肥会提高叶片中可溶性蛋白含量,而在高CO2浓度下,增施氮肥会降低叶片中可溶性蛋白含量。CO2浓度升高和增施氮肥都会提高油菜地上部干物质量与氮素累积量,油菜干物质量与氮素累积量总体上与上述测定指标呈极显著相关。     

大气CO_2浓度升高和氮肥施用对三江平原湿地小叶章生物量及根冠比的影响

利用开顶箱薰气室(open-top chamber)试验装置,研究了不施氮(NN)、施常氮(MN,5 g·m-2)和施高氮(HN,15 g·m-2)3个氮素水平下大气CO2浓度升高对小叶章(Calamagrostis angustifolia)生物量和根冠比的影响.结果表明,大气CO2浓度升高对小叶章生物量的影响因生长期而异.大气CO2浓度升高对小叶章地上生物量的促进作用主要表现在生长前期,拔节期和抽穗期地上生物量较正常大气CO2浓度增加12.42%～22.60%,而腊熟期和成熟期仅增加3.11%～12.97%;大气CO2浓度升高对小叶章地下生物量的促进作用在生长后期表现明显,除拔节期外,小叶章地下生物量增加17.63%～42.20%.小叶章生物量和根冠比对大气CO2浓度的响应与供N水平有关.在HN水平下,大气CO2浓度升高使小叶章生物量和根冠比明显增加,在NN条件下促进作用则不显著.小叶章根冠比明显增加主要是地下生物量显著增长引起的.     

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