无机氮和有机氮对水培番茄幼苗碳水化合物积累及氮素吸收的影响

采用2个番茄品种(申粉918、沪樱932),以营养液设置相同氮浓度(3.0 mmol/L,以N计)的NH4 -N、NO3-N、Gly-N三个处理,探讨无机氮(NH4 -N、NO3-N)和有机氮(Gly-N)对番茄幼苗生长、碳水化合物的积累及氮素吸收的影响.结果表明,在无机氮和有机氮存在的营养介质中,NH4 -N、Gly-N对番茄幼苗的生长有明显的抑制作用,对根系尤甚;与NO3-N处理相比,Gly-N、NH4 -N处理均显著提高了叶片可溶性糖、叶片和根系游离氨基酸含量以及各器官氮素含量,降低了叶片淀粉含量、各器官氮素积累量,而Gly-N处理的根系可溶性糖、淀粉含量升高;番茄幼苗基因型差异是否表现与氮素形态有关,以植株根系干重为指标的基因型差异在供应NO3-N时不表现;沪樱932的生长显著优于申粉918;不同品种对有机氮的吸收利用能力不同.     

不同光环境下刈割对黑麦草补偿性生长及叶片氮含量的影响

补偿性生长(Compensatory growth)是植物对外界干扰的积极响应,其补偿能力与外界光环境密切相关,而刈割后造成草地冠层下光环境变化会对刈后植物的补偿性生长产生影响.为深入了解补偿性生长机制,通过设置自然光(Natural light,NL)、红光(Red light,RL)和遮荫(Shading,SH)3种光环境,模拟刈割后草地群落光环境变化,研究黑麦草(Lolium perenne)刈割两次后生物量累积、分配及叶片氮含量的变化,探讨其补偿性生长对光质和光强变化的响应.结果显示:(1)NL和RL下,刈割后黑麦草的累积地上生物量与未刈割处理相比分别增加了24.44%和14.06%,表现为超补偿生长,SH下刈割与未刈割处理并无显著差异,表现为等补偿生长;(2)刈割后黑麦草地下相对生长速率(RGR)仅RL表现为增加,而NL和SH均为降低,且SH在未刈割下已为负增长,说明RL下刈割后黑麦草地上部分的超补偿生长并未影响地下部分的生长,而NL和SH下地上部分发生补偿生长后均抑制了地下部分的生长;(3)光环境变化和刈割明显影响了黑麦草叶片中的氮含量,3种光环境中,刈割与不刈割下黑麦草叶片氮含量均为SH>NL>RL,而刈割处理显著增加了叶片氮含量,与未刈割相比分别增加了43.86%、21.58%和13.16%;(4)3种光环境下,刈割和不刈割黑麦草生物量分配与其叶片氮含量之间的相关性均达到了极显著水平(R2=0.84,P<0.001).本研究表明,黑麦草的补偿性生长与外部光环境密切相关,其补偿能力取决于刈后剩余叶片的光合效率;光质对刈后黑麦草生物量分配模式有重要影响,因此红光下地上部分的超补偿生长不以牺牲地下生长为代偿;叶片氮含量是影响植物补偿性生长的关键因素,黑麦草补偿性生长主要通过增加叶片氮含量来实现,而生物量分配则与叶片中氮含量的多少有关.     

遮荫处理对4种草本植物生理生化特性的影响

研究了遮荫处理对少花龙葵、三叶鬼针草、胜红蓟和莶叶片的生理生化特性的影响,结果表明:遮荫处理提高了4种草本植物叶绿素a b含量,叶绿素a/b存在物种差异;4种草本植物叶片最大净光合速率(Pn-max)、光饱和点(LSP)和光补偿点(LCP)均明显下降;少花龙葵叶片MDA和POD含量降低,三叶鬼针草、胜红蓟和莶升高;遮荫处理使少花龙葵、三叶鬼针草和胜红蓟叶片可溶性糖含量增加,可溶性蛋白含量均呈不同程度下降。少花龙葵耐阴性较强,适度遮荫利于少花龙葵生长发育;三叶鬼针草、胜红蓟和莶受到弱光胁迫。     

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。     

青杨扦插苗生物量积累与分配对土壤水-氮有效性的短期响应及动态调整北大核心CSCD

大气氮沉降是全球气候变化的主要特征之一,近年来关于树木对土壤水、氮有效性响应的研究很多,但树木如何在生物量积累与分配方面动态调整以适应水、氮供应仍不清楚.以青杨(Populus cathayana)扦插苗为材料,通过盆栽控制试验,采用两因素(水分×施氮)随机区组设计,设置3个水分(W1、W2、W3,分别为最大田间持水量的40%、60%、80%)和3个施氮梯度(N0、N1、N2,分别为0、4和8 g m^(-2) a^(-1)),并于施氮处理后1、7、14、31和62 d测定青杨生物量的积累与分配、叶片及根系性状,进而探究其对水、氮有效性的动态响应过程.结果表明:(1)土壤水分的增加和施氮显著地促进了青杨根、茎、叶和总生物量的积累,在W3处理下最大;施氮效应随时间延长更加明显,N2的促进效应明显高于N1.水氮交互作用对其影响不显著.(2)生物量的分配主要受杨树生长节律(时间)的控制,茎重比和根重比随处理时间延长显著增加,而叶重比显著降低.土壤水分有效性的提高显著提高了茎重比,降低了根重比,而对叶重比影响不显著.氮素及水氮交互作用对根重比、茎重比和叶重比均无显著影响.(3)施氮对比叶重的影响随时间变化而不同.到试验后期,施氮在土壤水分不足处理提高了比叶重;在水分充足处理降低了比叶重.(4)土壤水分有效性的提高显著促进了杨树细根的比根长和比表面积,施氮效应随处理时间逐渐变化.试验后期,土壤水分较好条件下(W3)施氮均促进根系增长;在干旱胁迫(W1)下氮添加抑制了根系生长.总体而言,施氮先促进叶生物量积累,随后根、茎生物量作出响应,最终形成有利于植株生长的分配格局;土壤水分有效性的提高显著提高了杨树扦插苗细根的比根长和比表面积,施氮效应因土壤水分而异;本研究结果可加深对树木响应气候变化机制的理解.(图5表3参63)     

采果期甜椒氮素营养特性及分配规律

利用^15N示踪技术研究了水培甜椒果实收获期间吸收的氮素在体内的动态分配规律。结果表明：甜椒果实收获期间营养器官与生殖器官干物质积累动态呈一平行的线性增长趋势，果实干物质积累量于始采期以后开始超过叶片，而果实氮素积累到盛采期才超过叶片，果实含氮量在整个采果期间保持稳定，随生长发育，叶片含氮迅速下降，盛采期时与果实和根相近，且均高于茎和侧枝，始采期通过根吸收的标记态氮主要贮存在叶片与果实中，叶片、果实是甜椒始采用氮素分配的最主要器官。此后，叶片和根成为主要的氮素输出器官，而果实则成为主要的输入器官。研究发现，甜椒体内的氮即使一度成为结合态，能能够被再度输出，但是，氮素在植株体内滞留的时间越长，越难以再度向外输出，并且不同器官输出的难易程度也是不相同的，比较而言，叶片和根中一度成为结合态的氮素容易被再交输出，甜椒果实是氮的强力库，氮素竞争力最强。     

氮添加和干旱对呼伦贝尔草原5种植物性状的影响

植物功能性状能够反映植物对环境变化的响应,但是很少有研究同时考虑多个气候变化因子交互对植物功能性状的影响。基于氮添加(0 g·m~(-2)·a~(-1)和10 g·m~(-2)·a~(-1))和干旱(减少66%生长季(5—8月)降水量)模拟实验,测量了呼伦贝尔草原5种优势植物的叶片形态学特征、叶片化学计量学特征以及植被高度等多个指标,探讨了呼伦贝尔草原植物对于土壤养分和水分变化的响应。结果表明,(1)干旱能够促进氮添加对土壤可利用氮特别是硝态氮含量的提升。(2)氮添加显著增加叶片N含量,降低叶片P含量,增加叶片氮磷比;干旱降低叶片N含量和叶片P含量,对叶片氮磷比影响不显著;植物叶片N、P含量受氮添加和干旱交互作用的显著影响,并在氮添加情况下施加干旱能够进一步增加P素对植物生长的限制作用。(3)氮添加处理下植物倾向于采取资源获取型策略,增加高度和比叶面积(SLA),降低叶片干物质含量(LDMC);干旱处理下植物倾向于资源保守型利用策略,降低高度和SLA,增加LDMC和叶片C含量;而植物高度、SLA、LDMC和叶片C含量不受氮添加和干旱交互作用的显著影响。研究表明,草地生态系统氮、水循环之间存在偶联关系,两者共同影响了植物养分吸收,决定植物叶片化学计量特征;而氮添加对植物资源利用策略影响更多的受到土壤水分调节。该研究强调在未来的气候变化研究中,需要同时考虑多个气候变化因子及其交互作用对植物功能性状的影响,并且需要考虑不同维度的功能性状的响应,才能更全面更准确地评估并预测生态系统功能的变化。     

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。     

不同灌水条件下冬小麦的产量、水分利用与氮素利用特点

了解不同灌水量(次数)处理条件下华北平原地区冬小麦的产量形成、氮素利用与水分利用的特点.在大田相同的施肥量与施肥方式、播前浇底墒水750m3.hm-2条件下,设置春季不灌水、春季灌2水(拔节+开花)和春季灌4水(起身+孕穗+开花+灌浆)3个水分处理(每次灌水定额750 m3.hm-2),分析了不同灌水量(次数)对植株氮素吸收利用、产量、土壤水分动态及利用效率的影响.冬小麦生育期内总耗水量和开花后耗水量均表现为随灌水次数(量)增加而增大的趋势,但耗土壤水量却随灌水增加而显著减少.春季灌水处理的经济产量均显著高于春季不灌水处理,但春灌2水和春灌4水之间无显著差异.水分利用效率(WUE)在春不灌水和春灌2水间无显著差异.但它们均显著高于春季灌4水处理.植株总吸氮量均随着灌水次数(灌水量)的增加而呈现出上升的趋势,春灌2水和灌4水处理的总吸氮量无显著差异,但它们均显著大于不灌水处理.氮素生理效率和氮素收获指数随灌水量(次数)增加略有下降,不同灌水处理之间并无显著差异.春灌2水处理相对春季不灌水处理显著提高了经济产量和植株总吸氮量,水分利用效率并没有明显下降;与春灌4水处理相比,经济产量和植株总吸氮量没有明显降低.但水分利用效率和水分边际效益显著提高.冬小麦节水栽培(春灌2水)有利于节水、氮素高效利用和高产的实现.     

典型红壤区不同土地利用方式下氮素垂直分布及其影响因素

土壤氮素迁移规律是农业面源污染研究的重要内容,探讨不同土地利用方式下氮素垂直分布及其影响因素对氮迁移规律研究具有重要意义。在亚热带典型红壤丘陵区利用动力土柱机采集了38个稻田、林地和茶园的1 m深原状土柱,分0～20、20～30、40～50和70～80 cm 4层并间隔5 cm取样分别测定铵态氮、硝态氮和全氮以及其他土壤属性,研究氮素垂直分布对土地利用方式的响应及其影响因素。结果显示:(1)稻田上述4层土壤全氮含量显著高于林地和茶园(P0. 05),土壤铵态氮含量在各土地利用方式间差异不显著。就表层(0～20 cm)硝态氮含量而言,稻田土壤显著高于林地和茶园;茶园下层(20 cm)土壤硝态氮含量显著高于稻田和林地。(2)土壤全氮含量与硝态氮含量关系密切(r=0. 64,P0. 01);有机碳含量、土壤剖面深度和容重是影响氮素垂直分布的重要因子,土壤氮含量与有机碳含量之间呈显著正相关,与容重、土壤剖面深度呈显著负相关(P0. 05),表明土壤性质对氮素的分布有重要影响。该研究有助于评价红壤丘陵区农业氮肥施用对水体污染的影响风险。     

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.