喀斯特地区长期草地利用制度对群落稳定性的影响

草地利用方式和混播组合对群落特性的长期影响不同。利用方式对白三叶(Trifolium repens)盖度没有显著影响,而混播组合与利用方式的交互作用影响显著。白三叶在宿营处理和刈割为主利用下的与鸭茅(Dactylis glomerata)混播中的比例最低,而在刈割利用和宿营处理的多年生黑麦草(Lolium perenne)组合中的盖度最高。混播组合对禾本科组分盖度影响不显著,但利用方式和交互作用有显著的作用,长期放牧绵羊的混播草地多年生黑麦草很少。混播组合对杂草密度、盖度和多样性指数的影响不明显,而利用方式和交互作用显著地影响杂草盖度和多样性指数。放牧草地中的杂草密度高于刈割草地的,其中放牧利用的白三叶/多年生黑麦草草地最高。放牧牛的草地杂草密度较少,而放牧绵羊的草地杂草较多。白三叶、禾本科牧草以及杂草的密度都显著地受混播组合、利用方式及其交互作用的影响,说明密度是一个敏感的指标。     

围封和放牧对科尔沁沙质草地植被和土壤的影响

选择科尔沁沙地自由放牧和围封10年的沙质草地为研究对象,通过野外调查与室内分析相结合,分析了围封和放牧对沙质草地群落土壤和植被的影响,旨在为退化沙地恢复与重建提供科学依据。结果表明,(1)围封和放牧草地盖度、密度、地上生物量、高度存在显著差异(P0.01),围封使群落盖度、密度、地上生物量和高度分别增加了67%、79%、71%和44%。(2)放牧草地物种数为15种,围封草地为21种,放牧草地物种数增加了40%,大果虫实、狗尾草、差巴嘎蒿是放牧草地群落的优势物种,其重要值占71%;达乌里胡枝子、狗尾草、画眉草、猪毛菜和虎尾草是围封草地群落的优势物种,其重要值占60%。放牧草地处于一年生杂类草+差巴嘎蒿的沙地退化演替阶段,围封草地处于达乌里胡枝子+一年生禾草+一年生杂类草的沙地恢复演替阶段。(3)围封草地的Shannon-Wiener指数、Simpson指数、Margalef指数、Pielow均匀度指数均大于放牧草地,说明围封提高了群落的物种多样性。(4)围封和放牧草地群落0~20 cm和20~40 cm的土壤水分、土壤机械存在极显著差异(P0.01),围封使沙质草地群落土壤水分、土壤黏粉粒和细砂粒增加。除速效氮外,围封和放牧草地群落土壤的化学性质差异显著(P0.001)。围封与放牧草地相比,总磷、总氮、速效磷和有机质均呈上升趋势,增幅分别为72%、152%、15%和272%。(5)0~20 cm的土壤理化因子:土壤水分、粗砂粒、细砂粒、粉黏粒、有机质、全氮与植被特征因子显著相关(P0.01),表明群落植被与土壤之间相互影响较强。     

围栏禁牧对川西北亚高山高寒草甸群落结构的影响

围栏禁牧4a后,与放牧草地相比较:1)围栏草地物种数量有所下降,群落内出现物种27种,而长期放牧草地为33种.2)围栏草地物种平均高度较高,为20.23cm,群落分层现象明显;放牧草地物种平均高度仅为8.14cm,群落无分层现象.3)围栏草地内,杂草类的盖度(98%)大于禾草类的盖度(14%);放牧草地上,杂草类的盖度(53%)小于禾草类的盖度(56%)。4)围栏草地以禾草为主的优良牧草的生产能力(35.24g/m2)低于放牧草地的生产能力(75.47g/m2).5)围栏草地的地上生物量(272.64g/m2)和地下0～30cm生物量(801.61g/m3)都高于放牧草地的地上生物量(184.84g/m2)和地下0～30cm生物量(683.82g/m3).研究结果表明,围栏草地具有比放牧草地更复杂的群落结构,但其物种组成和优良牧草的生产能力,都低于放牧草地.     

放牧强度对川西北高寒草甸植物生物量及其分配的影响

研究了四川省红原县境内4个不同放牧强度下高寒草甸植物群落的物种组成、生物量及其分配特征.随放牧强度的增加,植物群落表现出由垂穗鹅冠草(Roegnerianutans)和垂穗披碱草(Elymusnutans)等禾草为优势种的群落向以川嵩草(Kobresiasetchwanensis)和高山嵩草(Kobresiapygmaea)等莎草为优势种的群落演替的趋势.生长季节6-9月,草甸植物地上生物量以不放牧为最高,重度放牧显著小于不放牧;地下生物量随放牧强度的增加而呈增加趋势,重度和中度放牧显著高于不放牧和轻度放牧.不放牧、轻度、中度和重度放牧草地6-9月4个月植物总生物量平均值分别为1543.3、1621.6、2294.7和2448.5g·m-2,地下生物量占总生物量比例大小排序为重牧(87.8%)＞中牧(81.8%)＞轻牧(76.2%)＞不放牧(69.2%).草甸植物生物量的变化主要是由于放牧作用下植物群落优势种的变化而引起的,其分配比例的变化反映了草甸植物对放牧干扰的适应.     

不同放牧强度下荒漠草原土壤氮矿化季节性动态研究

放牧是中国北方主要的草地利用方式。放牧强度通过影响群落结构和土壤的理化性状以及土壤微生物活性对草地生态系统的养分循环产生显著影响。以位于内蒙古四子王旗的荒漠草原长期放牧控制试验平台为研究对象,通过设置四个放牧强度,即对照(CK)、轻度放牧(LG)、中度放牧(MG)和重度放牧(HG),探讨了放牧强度对土壤无机氮库和氮矿化过程季节变化的影响。根据该地区气候特点和植物生长季节,将一年划分为3个时期,分别为生长季初期(5-6月)、生长季盛期(7-9月)和非生长季(10月至次年4月)。结果表明,(1)在生长季初期,放牧抑制了土壤氮矿化作用,土壤温度与土壤无机氮含量呈显著负相关。(2)在生长季盛期,放牧促进了土壤净氮矿化作用,其中LG区的净氮矿化速率和净硝化速率显著高于对照区均较高;土壤净氮矿化和净硝化速率与土壤温度和含水量均呈显著正相关关系。(3)在非生长季,放牧抑制了土壤氮矿化作用,对照区不放牧处理的土壤净氮矿化速率显著高于放牧区;土壤含水量与土壤无机氮含量呈显著正相关,而与净氮矿化速率和净硝化速率均呈显著负相关关系。综上,高强度放牧抑制了土壤氮矿化过程,可能会进一步加剧净初级生产力的氮素限制。同时,放牧对土壤氮素转换过程的影响存在显著的季节性差异。     

喀斯特地区长期草地利用制度对群落稳定性的影响

草地利用方式和混播组合对群落特性的长期影响不同。利用方式对白三叶（Trifolium repens）盖度没有显著影响,而混播组合与利用方式的交互作用影响显著。白三叶在宿营处理和刈割为主利用下的与鸭茅（Dactylis glomerata）混播中的比例最低,而在刈割利用和宿营处理的多年生黑麦草（Lolium perenne）组合中的盖度最高。混播组合对禾本科组分盖度影响不显著,但利用方式和交互作用有显著的作用,长期放牧绵羊的混播草地多年生黑麦草很少。混播组合对杂草密度、盖度和多样性指数的影响不明显,而利用方式和交互作用显著地影响杂草盖度和多样性指数。放牧草地中的杂草密度高于刈割草地的,其中放牧利用的白三叶/多年生黑麦草草地最高。放牧牛的草地杂草密度较少,而放牧绵羊的草地杂草较多。白三叶、禾本科牧草以及杂草的密度都显著地受混播组合、利用方式及其交互作用的影响,说明密度是一个敏感的指标。     

内蒙古草地生产力及载畜量变化分析

草地生产力和载畜量历来是草地生态系统研究的热点问题,但多年来的研究成果却未能有效地揭示草畜供求关系。以内蒙古3个植被类型(草甸草原、典型草原、荒漠草原)为研究对象,基于MODIS遥感数据,应用光能利用率模型(CASA模型)和连续3年(2011—2013年)大量成对(围栏和放牧)的野外样地调查数据,分析了不同类型草地净初级生产力(NPP)、牧草利用率及超载情况。结果表明:(1)2011—2013年内蒙古草甸草原、典型草原、荒漠草原NPP平均值分别为122、116.2和39.3 g?m~(-2)?a~(-1);(2)2011—2013年内蒙古草甸草原、典型草原、荒漠草原利用率分别为41.28%、40.38%、38.05%;(3)2011年3种类型草地均过度放牧,超载率分别为43.59%、44.95%和75.92%,2012年草甸草原和荒漠草原过度放牧,超载率为1.21%、57.53%,2013年荒漠草原过度放牧,超载率为57.38%,而2012年典型草原,2013年草甸草原和典型草原与理论载畜量相比尚有127.4、1 158.82、392.33万羊单位潜力,可持续放牧。因此,在内蒙古草原牧场放牧管理时,应结合不同类型草地和降水条件,在荒漠草原及干旱年份适当减少载畜量从而实现草畜动态平衡。研究结果可为草地放牧管理决策提供参考依据。     

内蒙古典型草原凋落物分解对不同草地利用方式的响应

以2005年设置的中德放牧控制试验为平台,研究了内蒙古典型草原群落凋落物的分解速率、失重率及其碳氮损失率在不同草地利用方式和放牧强度下的变化规律。草地利用方式包括:传统放牧、传统割草和放牧、割草轮换利用(混合利用)。放牧强度包括7个:0、1.5、3.0、4.5、6.0、7.5、9.0 sheep·hm~(-2)。结果表明:传统放牧和混合利用方式下,放牧都不同程度地加速了群落凋落物的分解和失重。在传统放牧平地系统中,放牧强度为7.5 sheep·hm~(-2)小区群落凋落物的分解速率和失重率均显著高于对照区,分别高出45.0%和40.0%;在混合利用平地系统中,放牧强度为6.0 sheep·hm~(-2)小区群落凋落物的分解速率显著高于对照区,高出35.0%;在混合利用坡地系统中,放牧强度为9.0 sheep·hm~(-2)小区群落凋落物的分解速率和失重率均显著高于对照区,分别高出82.4%和62.0%。群落凋落物碳损失率和氮损失率在传统放牧系统中,随放牧强度的增加呈现出相似的变化趋势,而在混合利用系统中,随放牧强度的增加呈现出相反的变化趋势,但是总体表现为,增加放牧强度会加速群落凋落物中碳氮的释放。高放牧强度下,群落凋落物的分解速率、失重率和碳损失率差异显著,表现为:混合利用传统割草传统放牧,这一试验结果在一定程度上验证了放牧优化假说。     

不同放牧方式下的草场植被群落特征及其与土壤因子的关系——以新巴尔虎左旗为例

探究干旱半干旱草原不同放牧方式对退化草地生态系统恢复的影响,对退化草地植被恢复与重建及生态畜牧业可持续经营管理体系建设具有重要的科学意义。以呼伦贝尔市新巴尔虎左旗"七个一"生态家庭牧场为研究对象,对禁牧、休牧、轮牧和连续放牧4种放牧方式下的植被群落特征及与土壤因子间的关系进行研究。结果表明,(1)植被以多年生旱生、中旱生植物为主,轮牧区(45)和休牧区的物种数(42)大于禁牧区(37)和连续放牧区(34),禁牧区植被盖度(88.07%)和生物量(3 714.37 kg·hm~(-2))最高,连续放牧区植被盖度(61.33%)及生物量(1 029.83 kg·hm~(-2))最低。(2)4种放牧方式区的植被都以莎草科(Cyperaceae)和禾本科(Gramineae)植物为主,以寸草苔(Carex duriuscula)的重要值为最高,其中禁牧区最高(IV=38.30)。(3)休牧区和轮牧区的群落多样性指数较高,禁牧区的群落多样性指数最低(Ma=4.02,H=2.05,C=0.76,J_(sw)=0.72),且禁牧区与其他放牧方式区的物种分布及多样性指数均存在显著差异(P0.05)。(4)物种CCA排序结果显示,土壤容重、含水量和全磷是影响左旗植被分布的主要土壤因子。此外,群落多样性指数变化与容重、速效磷和含水量显著相关(P0.05)。研究认为,轮牧和休牧方式有利于保护草地生物多样性,禁牧对退化草地生态系统恢复有显著促进作用,但长期禁牧会导致群落多样性下降,连续放牧会降低草地生产力。建议减少连续放牧区放牧频率,在长期禁牧的牧场实施休牧、轮牧或适当的割草利用。     

内蒙古不同草地类型隐子草种群对放牧强度的响应

放牧胁迫使隐子草(Cleistogenes)种群成为退化草地的优势种,而继续加重放牧致使隐子草逐步衰退。由于在退化过程中隐子草作为退化指示种和重度退化的过渡种其种群格局将发生变化,故以内蒙古草甸草原、典型草原、荒漠草原为研究对象,设置轻度、中度、重度以及对照样地4个放牧强度,经过5年的连续野外试验和研究,对隐子草在不同放牧强度下的变化趋势进行分析,以期为草地管理提供理论基础。研究结果表明,(1)无论是草甸草原还是典型草原、荒漠草原,退化草地指示种隐子草都呈现明显的随放牧强度增加而先增加后减少的趋势,只是不同草地类型对于年度以及峰值出现的情况是有差异的。(2)草甸草原和典型草原都是以中度放牧强度显著最高,而荒漠草原只在降水相对较高的2008年以中度放牧最高,在降水较少的2006年、2007年则以轻度放牧显著最高。(3)不同草地类型双因素方差分析结果表明只在典型草原中,年度因素对无芒隐子草(Cleistogenes songorica)有显著影响。草地类型和放牧对隐子草有显著影响(P0.01),且草地类型、放牧和年度的两两交互作用对隐子草的影响显著(P0.01)。     

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     

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