影响石油污染物挥发行为的因素

进行了4种不同石油制品在不同温度时的挥发试验,并对其挥发量与挥发时间的关系进行了模拟,试验结果表明,柴油和煤油的挥发量与挥发时间呈二次多项式关系,而90#汽油的挥发量与挥发时间呈对数关系,混合芳烃的挥发量与挥发时间呈线性关系。柴油经过不同程度的挥发后,其物理性质如粘度和比重发生了改变,其中柴油粘度随着挥发而增加,并且柴油的粘度与挥发质量分数有很好的正相关性,相关系数为0.988。     

江西稻田红壤中丙溴磷的移动特性及其主要影响因素

用土壤薄层色谱法研究农药丙溴磷在不同层江西省稻田红壤中的移动特性及其在表层土壤中移动的主要影响因素.以稻田灌溉水为展开剂,测得丙溴磷在表、中和下层土壤薄层板上的比移值Rf分别为0.375、0.301和0.092,这表明丙溴磷在表层土壤中中等移动、中层土壤中不易移动和下层土壤中不移动,对地下水污染可能性较小,但可能对地表水会产生一定程度的污染.改变土壤有机质和黏土量,调节稻田灌溉水pH和CEC(阳离子交换量),考察这4种因素对丙溴磷在表层稻田红壤中移动的影响.结果表明,土壤有机质可抑制表层土壤中丙溴磷的移动,但起主要抑制作用的是难氧化土壤有机质;土壤黏土量与丙溴磷在土壤中的移动性呈明显的负相关,其相关系数为-0.976(n=5,P<0.05);稻田灌溉水pH>5时,表层红壤中丙溴磷的迁移随pH增大而增大;增大稻田灌溉水的CEC可促进丙溴磷在表层土壤中的移动.从同一土壤剖面来看,稻田红壤CEC和黏土量是丙溴磷在不同层土壤中移动性差异的主要影响因素.     

新疆盐渍化土壤氮肥氨挥发损失特征初步研究

在室温下应用“静态吸收法”,研究不同盐渍化程度的盐化土壤和碱化土壤上氮肥氨挥发损失特征。结果表明:(1)除碱土外碱化土壤上氮肥氨挥发量随时间延长呈现下降趋势,在盐化土壤上氨挥发量随时间呈现先上升后下降趋势。(2)供试9个典型盐渍化土壤样品上氮肥氨挥发量(Y)与时间(t)关系均符合Y=at2 bt c动力学方程,相关性呈极显著水平。(3)氨挥发总量(Y)、氨挥发速率(Yi)与土壤含盐量(x)呈极显著正相关;氨挥发持续时间随着盐渍化程度的增加而延长。(4)氨挥发总量、挥发速率与盐渍土pH相关性未达到显著水平;盐渍土上pH值对氨挥发的影响需要进一步研究。以上结果表明,盐渍化耕作土壤上氮肥氨挥发的控制要依据盐渍化类型的不同而制定相应的措施。     

低硒带土壤中硒的挥发过程研究

本文探讨了低硒带土壤中(黑龙江富裕县,河北丰宁县)硒的挥发程度及影响因素。经过干燥-再湿润的土壤样品,利用超微量硒的分析技术能够直接测出挥发性硒。土壤中硒的挥发程度与土壤湿度、温度及培养时间有关。当对土壤添加营养物质时,观察到添加含硒置较高的牛肉膏-蛋白胨营养液时硒的挥发程度显著提高。添加不同形态的硒,发现硒代蛋氨酸,硒代胱氮酸及含硒植物蛋白的土壤中硒的挥发程度显著高于对照组。而添加无机硒酸盐对土壤中硒的挥发程度影响不大。研究结果表明土壤中硒的挥发过程主要由微生物活动和硒的生物可利用度所决定。     

土壤PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)组分中铬、砷和多环芳烃的累积及健康风险评估

污染物在土壤细颗粒组分(PM_(10)和PM_(2.5))中的累积对其呼吸颗粒物途径的健康风险评估存在重要影响。针对铬、砷及多环芳烃污染土壤,分析了3种污染物在土壤细颗粒组分中的累积特征及有机质含量对累积因子的可能影响,并基于不同方法比较了呼吸颗粒物途径的健康风险评估结果的差异。结果表明,(1)不同污染物在土壤细颗粒组分中的累积因子存在明显差异。土壤PM_(10)组分中污染物的累积因子在0.008-216.367之间,土壤PM_(2.5)组分中污染物的累积因子在0.005-415.533之间。六价铬和总铬在细颗粒组分中的累积程度较低,而砷和多环芳烃在细颗粒组分中累积明显。相对于砷和铬,多环芳烃在细颗粒中的累积因子更高且变化范围大,土壤PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)组分中4环及5-6环多环芳烃所占比例平均值分别达63.11%和58.98%,远高于粒径小于250μm组分中的39.05%。(2)有机质对污染物在细颗粒组分中的累积影响不同,仅当有机质含量较低时,六价铬累积因子大于1;相同有机质或炭黑条件下,4环及5-6环多环芳烃累积因子约为2-3环的1.14-74.69倍;而砷在土壤中的累积基本不受有机质含量的影响。(3)基于不同方法得到的呼吸颗粒物途径健康风险评估结果差异较大,最高相差7个数量级,建议通过实测表层土壤PM_(10)组分中污染物的浓度,作为我国风险评估模型中的暴露参数更为合理可行。     

Fenton氧化处理对土壤中芘的生物可利用性的影响

研究发现蚯蚓吸收土壤中污染物芘的速率很快,10 d后蚯蚓体内富集污染物浓度基本达到稳定态;土壤中的有机质是影响污染物迁移的重要因素,土壤有机质的含量越高对芘滞留(吸附)能力越强,蚯蚓富集芘的量越低,蚯蚓富集到体内污染物的浓度越低.这也说明土壤对污染物的吸附/解吸行为决定了土壤中污染物的生态风险;氧化处理降低了土壤中的有机质含量,改变土壤有机质的组成,氧化处理也降低了土壤中被吸附污染物芘对蚯蚓的生物有效性.     

微生物修复石油污染土壤的生态毒性指示

发光菌的相对发光度和植物光合色素含量以及土壤酶活性是土壤石油污染程度和生态毒性强弱的综合反映。为探究不同生物指示方法对石油污染土壤生态毒性的指示效果以及污染土壤在生物修复过程中毒性的变化规律,采用前期筛选分离的三株对石油烃具有良好降解效果的降解菌构建混合菌体系,开展石油污染土壤模拟微生物修复实验。文章首先以明亮发光杆菌为指示生物考察不同修复时期土壤生态毒性,并以高等植物毒性试验以及土壤酶活性试验结果作为辅助证据从生态学角度揭示修复过程中石油污染土壤生态毒性的变化,并分析了以上3种指示方法的一致性。结果表明,该混合菌能高效降解对石油烃污染物,污染土壤经40 d修复后,石油烃污染物浓度从5 000 mg·kg-1降到1 781 mg·kg-1,去除率达到64%。高等植物生态毒性试验、土壤酶活性试验与发光菌生态毒性试验结果呈现良好的一致性,石油污染土壤的生态毒性随着微生物修复过程的进行呈先上升后下降的趋势。具体而言,修复初期的土样对小麦光合色素含量的抑制作用最大,叶绿素a含量相对于对照组降低了39.3%,仅为(1.36±0.04)mg·g-1;土壤过氧化氢酶酶活性与石油烃残留量呈极显著负相关关系(-0.973);污染土壤生态毒性在修复的第8天达到最大,其二氯甲烷/二甲基亚砜浸提液中发光菌的相对发光度为18.1%,与0.187 mg·L-1 Hg Cl2的毒性相当。明亮发光杆菌的相对发光度和小麦光合色素含量以及土壤过氧化氢酶活性能较好地指示石油污染土壤在生物修复过程中的生态毒性,可作为石油污染土壤微生物修复效果的指示生物。     

添加羟基磷灰石对土壤铅吸附与解吸特性的影响

采用羟基磷灰石对四种不同类型的土壤进行铅的吸附-解吸试验.结果表明:四种土壤对铅的吸附均可用Langmuir和Freundlich方程进行描述,土壤中加入羟基磷灰石明显增加了土壤对铅的吸附量和吸附亲和力,同时降低了土壤中铅的解吸百分数,在偏酸性的红壤上表现更为明显,其最大吸附量增加28%.羟基磷灰石对铅吸附的反应机理可能与磷灰石溶解后与铅形成磷酸盐沉淀及其对铅的表面吸附作用有关.土壤对铅的吸附量及吸附亲和力与土壤的有机质、阳离子交换量及粘粒含量有显著正相关,而与土壤砂粒的含量呈负相关.     

可溶性有机碳在紫色土中的吸附及影响因素分析

吸附作用是影响土壤中可溶性有机碳(DOC)迁移转化及生物有效性的重要过程,研究DOC在土壤中的吸附行为,对正确阐明土壤有机碳的循环和转化特征以及污染风险评估具有重要意义。选择具有代表性的3种土地利用方式的紫色土为实验材料,采用平衡吸附法研究了紫色土对分离的有机肥提取液中可溶性有机碳(DOC)的吸附特征,并分析了温度、磷酸盐、铁盐和有机质与DOC吸附量之间的关系。结果表明,原始物质吸附等温线方程可以反映土壤对可溶性有机碳的吸附特性,土壤对DOC的吸附量与DOC添加量呈极显著线性关系。从原始物质吸附等温线方程的分配系数看,随着温度的升高,土壤对DOC的吸附亲和力呈现降低趋势,5、15、25和35℃下,土壤对DOC的平均吸附率分别为26.38%、22.68%、19.98%和19.42%,其淋失迁移问题值得被重视。磷酸盐能抑制土壤对DOC的吸附,铁盐则促进土壤对DOC的吸附。有机质是影响土壤DOC吸附量的重要因素,用H_2O_2去除土壤部分有机质后,土壤对DOC的吸附量明显增大。     

崇明西沙湿地土壤石油类污染物季节变化特征及其对植被类型的影响

随着人类开采石油量的增加、海上交通运输的发展、海底溢油事故的发生以及工业民用废水排放的日益增长,海洋环境承受着来自外界的巨大危害。并且,海洋中的石油类污染物由水体迁移至土壤,给周边土壤也带来极大影响。石油类物质已成为崇明西沙湿地土壤主要的污染物之一。基于此,于2014年3月至12月在崇明西沙湿地设置5个采样点,利用紫外分光光度计、GC-MS等仪器对石油类污染物的浓度和组分进行测定,研究了土壤石油类污染物含量随季节变化的情况及其对植被类型的影响,并对污染物组分和来源进行解析。结果表明,湿地土壤石油类污染物主要以碳原子数小于8的饱和直链烷烃和饱和支链烷烃为主,同时还含有少量的烯烃、含氧杂环、含氮杂环等物质。该地区石油类污染物平均含量为47.3 mg·kg~(-1),其中春季最高,秋季最低;单因子污染指数为0.079~0.155,土壤尚处于清洁水平。湿地土壤石油类含量呈现季节性变化,与外源输入、海上作业及微生物的分解作用有关。3种植被群落土壤和光滩石油类污染物含量各异,且随季节变化明显,其中光滩群落土壤石油类污染物含量最低,芦苇群落土壤石油类污染物含量最高,且4个季节均明显高于其它群落,分析其原因可能是芦苇特殊的根系结构对石油有较好的截留和吸附作用。     

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