应用物种敏感性分布评估微(纳米)塑料对水生生物的生态风险

水环境中的微(纳米)塑料对水生生物具有潜在的危害。为了评估微(纳米)塑料对水生生物的毒性效应及生态风险,本研究在广泛查阅并分析微(纳米)塑料相关毒理学研究数据的基础上,利用物种敏感性分布(Species Sensitivity Distributions,SSD)方法对其中5门10科11种水生生物的急性毒理数据进行曲线拟合;计算对应的5%危害浓度(the hazardous concentration for 5%of the species, HC_5)和潜在影响比例(potential affected fractions, PAF);计算了相应的急性生态效应阀值(predicted no effect concentration, PNEC_(acute)),并比较了各类水生生物对微(纳米)塑料的敏感性及其所受生态风险。结果表明,目前已有数据中微(纳米)塑料对费氏弧菌(Vibrio fischeri)的生态风险最大,对朱氏四爿藻(Tetraselmis chuii)的生态风险最小;基于Reweibull模型对水生生物数据所推导的PNEC_(acute)为0.185μg·L~(-1),约为当前微(纳米)塑料在水体环境中浓度的30%。利用SSD来预测微(纳米)塑料不同暴露浓度下对水生生物的PAF,发现当微(纳米)塑料暴露浓度小于10μg·L~(-1)时,水生生物所受的影响在可接受范围内;当暴露浓度达到1 000μg·L~(-1)时,将有26%的物种受到微(纳米)塑料的危害。此外,利用Rurrlioz软件估算了世界典型淡水与海水水域表层水体中微塑料对水生生物的PAF值,发现其PAF预测值都为0;将各水域微塑料浓度与急性生态效应阀值PNEC_(acute)比较后发现,除太湖外,其他水体环境中微塑料浓度都低于PNEC_(acute),说明如果只考虑微塑料本身的影响,目前世界典型水域表层水中微塑料对水生生物的危害程度大部分都在可接受的范围之内。     

应用物种敏感性分布评估DEHP对区域水生生态风险

应用物种敏感性分布（Species Sensitivity Distribution,SSD）方法构建了邻苯二甲酸二辛酯（Diethylhexyl phthalate,DEHP）对淡水生物的SSD曲线。在此基础上,计算了DEHP对不同生物的5%危害浓度（HC5）,分析比较DEHP对不同生物类别的毒性敏感性差异及其特征,并针对在不同污染物质量浓度下,评价了我国不同地区水体DEHP对不同生物类别的生态风险。结果表明,不同物种对DEHP污染物的耐受范围存在差异,从小到大依次为无脊椎动物〈脊椎动物〈藻类,这可能与各物种的组别多样性有关,耐受范围越大,表示随着质量浓度增加,风险增大的趋势较缓慢;DEHP对不同物种的HC5从小到大依次为藻类〈无脊椎动物〈脊椎动物。HC5越小,DEHP对该物种的生态风险越大,其中藻类对DEHP最敏感,其HC5为41.01μg·L-1,从总体上看,DEHP对淡水生物系统的HC5为4 521.46μg·L-1;不同质量浓度值得出的PAF值的大小,反映不同类别生物的损害程度。质量浓度在1 000μg·L-1以下,全部物种的PAF值几乎为0;当质量浓度达1 000μg·L-1时,藻类和无脊椎动物开始受到影响;当质量浓度达10 000μg·L-1时,61.85%和88.04%的藻类和无脊椎动物分别受到影响,全部物种有64.34%受到影响。我国不同地区河流湖库水体水生态风险评估表明其水生态风险极低,PAF接近于0。     

应用物种敏感性分布评估重金属对海洋生物的生态风险

应用生态风险评价中的物种敏感性分布(species sensitivity distributions,SSD)方法构建了8种常见重金属元素(As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg、Mn、Pb、Zn)对海洋生物的SSD曲线。在此基础上计算了8种重金属对海洋生物的5%危害浓度(HC5)及其不同暴露浓度对海洋生物的潜在影响比例(PAF),比较了海洋脊椎动物和无脊椎动物对8种重金属的敏感性以及不同重金属的急性生态风险。结果表明,重金属对甲壳类的生态风险均比鱼类大。8种重金属元素对所研究的海洋生物全部物种的HC5值的排序为Pb>Mn>Zn>Cr>Cu>Hg>Cd>As。暴露浓度小于10μg·L-1时,Cr和Hg的生态风险差异不大。在10μg·L-1的暴露浓度下,As、Cd、Cu和Hg均使全部物种中超过10%的生物受到影响。随着浓度升高,不同重金属的生态风险有不同幅度的增大,当浓度达到1000μg·L-1时,分别有82.49%、87.31%和85.90%的物种受到As、Cu和Hg的损害。不同生物的敏感性顺序会随重金属的浓度范围发生变化。     

某湿地生态保护区水体中铜的生态风险评价及管理限值研究

铜是生物必需的微量元素,但过量暴露会对生物产生毒害效应。针对我国南方城市某湿地生态保护区水体重金属污染问题,参照《澳大利亚和新西兰淡水和海水水质指南》,应用物种敏感度分布(speeies sensitivity distribution,SSD)方法和联合概率曲线(joint probability curve,JPC)方法评价水体中铜的生态风险评价,在此基础上提出水体中铜浓度的管理限值。根据该湿地生态保护区生物调查历史数据以及其他文献数据,整理了415个本地物种的清单,通过美国环境保护署ECOTOX数据库以及其他文献共获取了13个物种的毒性数据,构建了Weibull分布、对数正态分布、正态分布、对数Logistic分布、Logistic分布、BurrⅢ型分布和Gumbel分布等7个SSD模型。结果表明,利用13个本地物种铜毒性数据构建的SSD模型具有合理性,不同模型计算得到的湿地生态保护区水体中铜的总体风险期望值为0.054~0.121。其中,BurrⅢ型分布模型的拟合效果最好,据此推导得到以保护水生生态系统为目标的铜的高可靠性与中等可靠性触发值分别为2.55μg·L~(-1)和1.41μg·L~(-1)。考虑到管理目标的可达性和现状的生态风险水平,提出该湿地生态保护区水体中铜浓度的管理限值为3μg·L~(-1)。     

基于物种敏感性分布法的毒死蜱对稻田生态系统生态风险评价

生物敏感性分布法(Species Sensitivity Distributions,SSD)是一种基于单物种测试和概率统计学的、较高级的外推风险评估方法。该方法在国内外均被广泛应用于各种污染物风险评价中。本文选取了采用logistic和normal这2种SSD分布模型,分析了国内外毒死蜱对3组水生生物组合的毒性数据;并且获得各自SSD的HCx值。3组毒性数据分别为:浙江稻田水生生物组,长三角地区水生生物组和美国水生生物组。浙江稻田水生物SSD分布的HC5为:0.32μg·L~(-1)(logistic模型)和0.35μg·L~(-1)(normal模型);HC10为1.50μg·L~(-1)(logistic模型)和1.26μg·L~(-1)(normal模型);HC20为8.13μg·L~(-1)(logistic模型)和5.96μg·L~(-1)(normal模型);HC50为145.44μg·L~(-1)(logistic模型)和115.74μg·L~(-1)(normal模型)。据此判断水稻种植季节,稻田水域毒死蜱对食蚊鱼、鳑鲏、泽蛙蝌蚪、轮虫、常见腹足类和双壳类软体动物以及绝大多数藻类等的风险较小。利用冗余分析研究了生物物种数量、物种组成结构和拟合模型对HCx影响。结果表明:物种组成结构对HCx有较为明显的影响。具体表现为对毒死蜱较为敏感物种数量与HCx存在明显的负相关性;对毒死蜱不敏感的物种则与HCx呈现正相关性。     

水环境中藻毒素生态风险的物种敏感性分布评价

藻毒素对人体的健康风险已受普遍关注,然而其对水生态物种敏感性分布的影响尚不明朗。本研究采集已有实验数据,利用种间相关性分析(ICE)模型和物种敏感性分布评估(SSDs)方法,筛选了64个水生生物物种的71组急性毒性数据(EC50),构建水生生物对肝毒素(节球藻毒素、柱孢藻毒素)和神经毒素(类毒素、贝毒素)的SSD方程。在此基础上,计算不同暴露浓度下的潜在影响比例(PAF)以及保护95%物种基础上藻毒素对水生生物的生态风险阈值(HC5),比较不同类别生物对藻毒素的敏感性以及藻毒素对水生生物的生态风险。结果表明:(1)在95%物种保护保证率下,节球藻毒素、柱孢藻毒素、类毒素和贝毒素对全部物种的HC5值分别为74.96、205.39、194.39、0.3μg·L~(-1),贝毒素水生态风险最高,柱孢藻毒素最低。(2)柱孢藻毒素、类毒素对无脊椎动物的HC5值分别为122.93、95.19μg·L~(-1),低于全部物种的HC5值,无脊椎动物受柱孢藻毒素、类毒素影响较其他物种大。(3)物种潜在影响比例可明确表征敏感性,柱孢藻毒素、类毒素在各浓度暴露情景下对无脊椎动物的PAF值均高于脊椎动物,显示无脊椎动物的敏感性较高。     

十二烷基苯磺酸钠淡水水质基准初探及生态风险评估

十二烷基苯磺酸钠(LAS)是一种常用的洗涤剂,具有难降解和易残留等特点,是我国水体中普遍存在的有害物质.当水中LAS浓度过高时,会对淡水水生生物的生存产生不利影响.以LAS为研究对象,结合我国淡水水生生物组成特征,筛选国内外文献中有关LAS水生生物毒性数据,涵盖5门12科19种,共40个急性毒性数据.运用毒性百分数排序法(SSR)和物种敏感度分布曲线法(SSD)进行推导,结果表明,利用SSR法推导得出基准最大浓度(CMC)为0.56 mg·L-1、利用急慢性比(取10)求得基准连续浓度(CCC)为0.11 mg·L-1;利用SSD法得到CMC为0.58 mg·L-1,CCC为0.12 mg·L-1.2种方法结果相近,从安全角度考虑,选取SSR法所求的水质基准为最终结果.风险评估结果显示,我国水体中存在LAS潜在生态风险,且主要集中在城市水体中.     

5种有机磷农药的淡水水生生物基准

采用毒性百分数排序法推导了马拉硫磷、乐果、甲基对硫磷、敌敌畏和对硫磷等5种有机磷农药的淡水水生生物基准,得出5种有机磷农药的基准最大浓度(CMC)分别为0.477、1.392、0.247、0.085、0.155μg·L-1;基准连续浓度(CCC)分别为0.030、0.688、0.092、0.056、0.030μg·L-1.将推导出的双值基准与我国地表水环境质量标准比较,结果表明,二者差别较大,我国目前这5种有机磷农药的水质标准可能在一定程度上存在着对水生生物"欠保护"的情况.5种有机磷农药的淡水水生生物基准可为我国淡水水生生物基准的制订提供一定的数据参考.     

基于不同毒性终点的双酚A(BPA)预测无效应浓度(PNEC)研究

双酚A(BPA)已被证实是一种类雌激素类物质。本研究根据BPA对水生生物毒性效应的特点,按照不同的毒性终点将BPA的毒性数据进行归类,采用物种敏感度分布法(species sensitivity distribution,SSD)推导了BPA对水生生物的预测无效应浓度(predicted no effect concentration,PNEC)。结果表明:以雌激素效应为暴露终点的急、慢性PNEC分别为25.11μg·L-1、1.075μg·L-1;而以所有数据的急、慢性毒性效应为暴露终点推导的PNEC值分别为355.7μg·L-1、7.549μg·L-1。BPA对水生生物的雌激素效应更为敏感,建议在推导BPA这类内分泌干扰物的PNEC值时,应依据其毒性终点分别推导,从而得到更加合理的基准值。研究成果以期为我国地表水环境质量标准的制修订提供数据支持。     

北京市污水处理厂出水中雌二醇的概率生态风险评价

随着北京市再生水补给河湖规模扩大,污水处理厂出水中雌激素活性物质引起的受纳水体生态风险日益受到关注。以雌二醇为例,利用物种敏感度分布(species sensitivity distribution,SSD)模型和联合概率曲线(joint probability curve,JPC)方法开展北京市污水处理厂出水的概率生态风险评价研究。通过文献调研整理了北京市约430个物种,利用美国环境保护署ECOTOX数据库获取了其中7个物种的雌二醇毒性数据,构建了正态分布、对数正态分布、Logistic分布、对数Logistic分布、Weibull分布、Burr III型分布和Gumbel分布等7个SSD模型,评价了北京市污水处理厂二沉池出水以及"混凝-沉淀-过滤-臭氧"、"超滤-臭氧"和"超滤-活性炭-臭氧"3种深度处理工艺组合出水的生态风险。结果表明,利用北京市7个物种雌二醇毒性数据构建的SSD模型具有合理性,SSD模型选择对生态风险评价结果的影响较大,对数正态分布、对数Logistic分布、Weibull分布和Burr III型均是可接受的SSD模型,其中拟合效果最佳的Burr III型分布模型给出了最保守的风险估计。Burr III型分布模型的模拟结果显示,北京市污水处理厂二沉池出水以及3种深度处理工艺组合出水的总体风险期望值分别为0.070、0.040、0.036和0.026,该结果可以为北京市未来水生态保护目标的设定以及污水处理工艺的升级改造提供决策参考。     

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     

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.