乙酰辅酶A合成酶的酶学性质及其在甲羟戊酸合成中的应用

乙酰辅酶A合成酶(ACS)在微生物体内可直接将乙酸转化为乙酰辅酶A,乙酰辅酶A再进入微生物的碳代谢循环过程.为提高乙酸的利用效率,筛选催化活性较高的乙酰辅酶A合成酶,从大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli K-12)和巴氏醋酸杆菌(Acetobacter pasteurianus ATCC 33445)中扩增得到3个不同的乙酰辅酶A合成酶基因,将这3个基因分别连接到p ET-28a(+)载体上,Western Blot分析表明,3个基因均在E.coli BL21(DE3)中成功表达.对3个不同来源的乙酰辅酶A合成酶的酶活性进行比较,发现来自于巴氏醋酸杆菌的乙酰辅酶A合成酶(ACS2)具有较高的催化活力;其最适温度37℃,最适pH在7-8之间;在最适反应条件下,K_m为1.16 mmol/L,最大反应速度(V_(max))为20.45 mmol L~(-1) min~(-1).将ACS2应用到以乙酸为底物生物合成甲羟戊酸过程中,当过表达ACS2时,单批补料发酵条件下,甲羟戊酸产量达到6.59g/L.本研究筛选到1种催化活性较高的乙酰辅酶A合成酶,显著提高了甲羟戊酸的生物合成,可为乙酰辅酶A合成酶的进一步研究和应用提供理论支持.(图8表1参18)     

高温条件下混菌发酵合成气产乙酸及其群落结构

合成气(主要包括CO、H_2和CO_2)通过生物转化生产高附加值的生物燃料和化学品已引起人们广泛关注,微生物菌群作为生物转化的酶催化剂对合成气发酵产物组成和效率十分关键.通过富集得到高温条件下分别稳定转化CO、甲酸钠和合成气的厌氧菌群,探究CO与甲酸钠转化菌混培物和合成气转化菌发酵合成气生成乙酸的能力,并分析其微生物群落结构.结果显示,CO-甲酸钠转化菌混培物与合成气转化菌在合成气发酵前期主要进行CO的产氢反应生成H_2和CO_2以及同型产乙酸反应生成乙酸,CO利用率为100%,CO反应速率分别为6.93和6.34 mmol L~(-1)d~(-1);随后同型产乙酸菌利用H_2和CO_2继续合成乙酸,两者的乙酸最大累积量分别为9.11 mmol/L和8.01 mmol/L.CO-甲酸钠转化菌混培物主要菌群为Thermoanaerobacterium、Romboutsia、Ruminococcus、Clostridium、Eubacterium、Moorella和Desulfotomaculum属,合成气转化混菌则主要含有Romboutsia、Thermoanaerobacterium、Moorella、Eubacterium、Acetonema和Clostridium属,其中同型产乙酸菌广泛分布于Ruminococcus、Clostridium、Eubacterium、Moorella和Acetonema属.本研究表明复配CO和甲酸钠转化菌可用于合成气高温发酵产乙酸,且转化能力优于合成气转化菌,结果可为合成气混菌发酵提供微生物资源和技术参考.     

产甲烷生化代谢途径研究进展

微生物产甲烷过程产生的甲烷约占全球甲烷产量的74%.产甲烷过程对生物燃气生产和全球气候变暖等都有着重要的意义.本文综述了产甲烷菌的具体生化代谢途径,其本质是产甲烷菌利用细胞内一系列特殊的酶和辅酶将CO2或甲基化合物中的甲基通过一系列的生物化学反应还原成甲烷.在这一过程中,产甲烷菌细胞能够形成钠离子或质子跨膜梯度,驱动细胞膜上的ATP合成酶将ADP转化成ATP以获得能量.根据底物类型的不同,可以将该过程分为3类:还原CO2途径、乙酸途径和甲基营养途径.还原CO2途径是以H2或甲酸作为主要的电子供体还原CO2产生甲烷,其中涉及到一个最新的发现——电子歧化途径;乙酸途径是乙酸被裂解产生甲基基团和羧基基团,随后,羧基基团被氧化产生电子供体H2用于还原甲基基团;甲基营养途径是以简单甲基化合物作为底物,以外界提供的H2或氧化甲基化合物自身产生的还原当量作为电子供体还原甲基化合物中的甲基基团.通过这3种途径产甲烷的过程中,每消耗1mol底物所产生AT P的顺序为还原CO2途径>甲基营养途径>乙酸途径.由于产甲烷菌自身难以分离培养,未来将主要通过现代的生物技术和计算机技术,包括基因工程和代谢模型构建等最新技术来研究产甲烷菌的生化代谢过程以及其与其它菌群之间的相互作用机制,以便将其应用于生产实践.     

生物电化学系统固定二氧化碳同时产生乙酸和丁酸

生物电化学系统用于微生物电合成,可原位利用污水中的能量将二氧化碳固定,并生产有机物.通过构建生物电化学系统,利用混合菌作电催化剂还原二氧化碳生成乙酸和丁酸.设定阴极电势-0.75 V(vs Ag/AgCl),10 d的反应周期内,乙酸最大积累浓度为251.89 mg/L;丁酸从第3天开始生成,最大积累浓度为89.42 mg/L.系统总电子回收率可达85.04%.电化学分析表明生物阴极具有良好的催化活性.PCR-DGGE分析生物阴极主要菌群为醋酸杆菌属(Acetobacterium)和拟杆菌属(Bacteroides).本研究证明了生物阴极具有以二氧化碳为原始底物合成乙酸,并进一步延伸碳链合成中链脂肪酸的能力,对进一步开发微生物电合成技术具有重要参考价值.     

基于宏基因组技术获得的对厌氧氨氧化菌代谢的新理解

厌氧氨氧化菌(Anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria,AAOB)是化能自养菌,由于其生理代谢的奇异性、细胞结构的特殊性以及对氮素循环的重要性,已成为环境工程、微生物以及海洋生物学等领域的研究热点.然而,AAOB未能实现纯培养的现状已成为AAOB代谢途径研究的巨大障碍.近年来兴起的宏基因组技术(Metagenomics)为AAOB代谢途径的研究提供了新手段.采用宏基因组技术,可直接研究微生物群体中某特定微生物基因组的结构与功能,摆脱了传统微生物学研究对纯培养的依赖,使未培养微生物的认识和开发成为可能.本文首先简述获取AAOB宏基因组信息的过程,然后通过比较由传统代谢研究方法和宏基因组技术获得的AAOB代谢途径的研究成果,论述基于宏基因组技术获得的对AAOB代谢的新理解,得出以下结果和结论:1)AAOB的碳素固定途径为乙酰辅酶A途径,碳素固定的还原力来自NADH或者QH2;2)AAOB氮素转化的重要中间产物是NO,而非NH2OH,并提出了以NO为核心的AAOB代谢的改进模型;3)AAOB的ATP合成途径为氧化磷酸化,推测的电子传递途径为N2H4—QH2—细胞色素bc1复合体;细胞色素bc1复合体再将电子用于NO2-还原和N2H4合成.AAOB的宏基因组技术使AAOB代谢途径的研究更具方向性.随着分子生物学理论和技术的不断发展,宏基因组学的升级技术(如宏转录组学、宏蛋白质组学)将为AAOB代谢途径的研究提供新的方法与平台.图3表1参51     

基于回补途径的TCA循环改造对克雷伯氏菌生长和甘油代谢的影响

回补途径和TCA循环在克雷伯氏菌(Klebsiella pneumoniae)的中心代谢中扮演着十分重要的角色.通过过表达回补途径的关键酶磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧化酶(PPC)和柠檬酸(TCA)循环的关键酶柠檬酸合成酶(GLTA)将磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸(PEP)和乙酰辅酶A节点的碳流引入TCA循环,以考察基于回补途径的TCA循环强化对K. pneumoniae生长和甘油代谢的影响.结果显示:单独过表达ppc或gltA基因,TCA循环还原和氧化分支的中间代谢产物琥珀酸和α-酮戊二酸分别增加了8.3倍和1.2倍,甘油利用能力明显增强,除2,3-丁二醇外,其他副产物积累量均有所下降,但1,3-PDO产量分别降低了23.3%、5.9%.共表达ppc和gltA基因后,与对照菌相比,生物量降低了35.7%,甘油利用能力进一步增强,1,3-丙二醇产量提高了10.2%,所有副产物积累量均有所减少;与单独过表达ppc或gltA基因相比,乙醇、乳酸、乙酸积累量未有明显变化,但生物量略有提高,2,3-丁二醇积累量显著降低.上述结果表明通过共表达磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧化酶和柠檬酸合成酶强化TCA循环能够提高菌株的甘油利用能力,弱化副产物合成,强化1,3-丙二醇的合成.(图4表2参19)     

微生物直接电子传递:甲烷代谢古菌研究进展

甲烷是重要的温室气体,同时也是广泛的可再生能源.深刻认识甲烷代谢过程中的微观机理可为人类实现甲烷的减排及其作为能源的合理利用打下坚实的理论基础.古菌介导的直接电子传递(DET)作为甲烷代谢的重要途径,已成为近年来环境微生物领域的研究热点.本文对互营氧化产甲烷、电能无机自养产甲烷以及厌氧甲烷氧化3个过程中参与DET的微生物进行综述,并着重阐述它们各自的发生机理. DET既存在于甲烷合成代谢,又涉及厌氧甲烷氧化.前者根据电子来源的不同,可分为微生物种间DET产甲烷和电能无机自养产甲烷两种类型.后者则是甲烷氧化古菌将甲烷氧化产生的电子传递至胞外电子受体.在甲烷合成代谢过程中,产甲烷古菌主要通过互营细菌外膜细胞色素蛋白、菌毛或导电性固体3种方式进行电子的直接吸收.相反,甲烷氧化古菌可通过外膜细胞色素蛋白将电子传递至胞外固体或微生物.今后对于古菌介导的DET研究将集中在甲烷代谢电子传递链的各个组成部分及其与细菌之间的相互作用,以便将DET机制用于实际问题的解决.     

UASB和EGSB反应器中厌氧颗粒污泥生物学特性的比较

测定了实验室规模的２Ｌ ＥＧＳＢ和ＵＡＳＢ反应器中培养的厌氧颗粒污泥在不同基质中的比产甲烷活性、辅酶Ｆ４２０含量和胞外多聚酶物含量，结果表明，ＥＧＳＢ反应器颗粒污泥在葡萄糖上的比产甲烷活性、利用乙酸的甲烷菌和产氢产乙酸菌的活怀和胞外多聚物／含量高于ＵＡＳＢ反应器颗粒污泥，而ＵＡＳＢ反应器颗粒污泥中利用甲酸和氢的甲烷菌的活性以及辅酶Ｆ４２０的含量较ＥＧＳＢ反应器颗粒污泥更高，辅酶Ｆ４２０可以指示同种     

盐碱湖硫循环及嗜盐嗜碱硫功能菌研究进展

硫循环是地球化学元素循环之一,微生物在其中发挥关键的驱动作用.深入认识微生物驱动的硫循环过程,将有助于探究生物地球化学循环机制.盐碱湖因具有完整的硫循环途径、丰富的硫功能菌种类,已成为研究硫地球化学循环的理想环境.总结近年来有关盐碱湖硫元素循环过程及嗜盐嗜碱性硫功能菌的研究进展.包括基于多种组学的盐碱湖微生物多样性分析以及嗜盐嗜碱性硫功能菌的应用,重点分析已经分离或完成测序的嗜盐嗜碱性硫氧化菌(11个属24个种)和硫还原菌(15个属25个种)的生理生化特点及系统发育关系,并且总结硫代谢基因的分布规律,明确盐碱湖中微生物硫代谢主要途径,其中细胞色素C硫化氢脱氢酶和Sox氧化酶系组成盐碱湖中硫氧化的最主要途径.初步形成了盐碱湖硫循环过程概貌、较完整的嗜盐嗜碱硫功能菌谱系及硫代谢途径,这将对认识地球硫元素循环,尤其是盐碱湖硫循环具有重要意义.建议将来加强开展有关异养硫氧化菌代谢过程、硫碳氮代谢之间关系及相互作用、影响硫循环过程的关键环境因子及调控手段等研究,进一步推进嗜盐嗜碱性硫功能菌的应用.(图7表4参83)     

产二羰基醛酮还原酶的1株嗜麦芽寡养单胞菌研究

用含甲基乙二醛的LB培养基平板筛选到1株能代谢甲基乙二醛的细菌,通过对克隆到的16S rDNA基因序列比对及生理生化实验,将其鉴定为嗜麦芽寡养单胞菌,命名为Stenotrophomonas maltophilia YL.破碎该菌细胞后提取粗酶,以甲基乙二醛作反应底物,在还原性辅酶Ⅰ存在条件下,紫外光谱和HPLC的分析表明,该菌能代谢甲基乙二醛;并对其产酶条件进行了研究.紫外分光光度法测得酶活力表明,该菌有较强的醛酮还原酶活力;并对温度和pH值对酶活力的影响作了分析.图5表1参17     

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.