四溴双酚A对赤子爱胜蚓的生长和基因表达的影响

试验采用人工土壤法,通过14 d急性毒性试验,研究了不同剂量TBBPA对赤子爱胜蚓(Eisenia fetida)生长、基因表达的影响。在14 d急性毒性试验中,随着暴露时间和浓度的增加,蚯蚓生长受到了显著抑制,未出现死亡现象。超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的基因表达量在低浓度(50 mg·kg-1)时受到诱导上调;谷胱甘肽转移酶(GST)的基因表达量在400 mg·kg-1染毒组受到明显诱导,是对照组的8.73倍;热休克蛋白(Hsp70)的基因表达量在50、100和200 mg·kg-1染毒组被诱导上调。基因表达量的变化显示,在50、100、200 mg·kg-1浓度条件下,蚯蚓可以利用自身的抗氧化能力维持体内的动态平衡稳定,使得机体免受损伤。但是在超过400 mg·kg-1浓度后,TBBPA的毒性效应超过了机体的应对能力,使机体遭受损伤,外在特征主要表现为蚯蚓身体蜷缩、变细变硬。从生物标志物角度,基因表达量的变化对TBBPA毒性效应的指示作用较生长抑制率更为敏感。     

四溴双酚A对太平洋真宽水蚤的急性毒性及氧化胁迫

为了研究四溴双酚A(tetrabromobis-phenol A,TBBPA)对海洋桡足类的急性毒性和氧化胁迫效应,以太平洋真宽水蚤为受试生物,测定了TBBPA对其96 h急性毒性和对其体内抗氧化防御系统的影响。结果表明,TBBPA对太平洋真宽水蚤的96 h半数致死浓度(96 h-LC50)为178μg·L~(-1),95%可信区间为91~306μg·L~(-1),表现为极毒。亚致死浓度下,TBBPA能够不同程度影响太平洋真宽水蚤的抗氧化防御酶活力以及非酶物质含量。其中SOD和GST活性的变化趋势较为一致,暴露初期SOD和GST活性显著上升(P0.05),随暴露时间延长酶活性有所下降,最终趋向对照组水平;GPx活性水平始终维持在对照组以上并且差异显著(P0.05);暴露初期,GSH含量受轻微氧化压力而轻微升高,暴露48 h后GSH含量急剧下降并显著低于对照组(P0.05)。太平洋真宽水蚤体内SOD、GST、GPx活性和GSH含量对TBBPA暴露均十分敏感,能够为海洋环境的TBBPA监测提供生化指标参考。     

四溴双酚A对赤子爱胜蚓的急性毒性及抗氧化防御系统酶的影响

以赤子爱胜蚓(Eisenia fetida)为研究对象,根据OECD指南中的滤纸接触法和人工土壤法研究了四溴双酚A(TBBPA)的急性毒性和对蚯蚓体内抗氧化防御系统酶的影响.结果表明,滤纸接触法和人工土壤法检测TBBPA对蚯蚓的半致死浓度LC50分别为4.90mg·L-(148h)和16.7mg·kg-(114d),TBBPA对蚯蚓具有低等毒性.当TBBPA的浓度在0.05和0.1mg·kg-1时对蚯蚓超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)产生显著诱导;在0.05mg·kg-1时,对过氧化氢酶(CAT)和谷胱甘肽硫转移酶(GST)也产生显著诱导;脂质过氧化产物丙二醛(MDA)随TBBPA浓度的升高逐渐增加,呈良好的剂量效应关系(R2=0.97,p<0.01).SOD、CAT、GST和MDA可以作为土壤生态早期预警中潜在的敏感的生物标志物.     

铜暴露对赤子爱胜蚓(Eisenia fetida)抗氧化酶活力的影响

通过溶液接触法和人工土壤法,研究了不同暴露环境中Cu对赤子爱胜蚓(Eisenia fetida)SOD酶、CAT酶和GST酶活力的影响.结果显示:溶液接触试验中, Cu显著抑制蚯蚓SOD酶活力(P<0.05),人工土壤试验中Cu则诱导SOD酶活力增加,预示暴露条件影响蚯蚓SOD酶对Cu的生物响应.人工土壤试验中, Cu暴露浓度与蚯蚓CAT酶和GST酶活力的相关系数分别为0.814和0.933,均存在极显著的剂量效应关系(P<0.001).在这两种暴露环境下,赤子爱胜蚓的CAT酶和GST酶活力对Cu浓度响应敏感.     

十溴二苯乙烷对草鱼幼鱼肝脏和肌肉组织氧化应激效应的影响

十溴二苯乙烷(DBDPE)是目前在全球范围内广泛使用的新型溴代阻燃剂,其环境风险已引起广泛关注,但目前仍缺乏针对水生生物的毒性研究数据。作者通过饲料中添加十溴二苯乙烷暴露的方式对草鱼幼鱼进行长期暴露实验,研究500、1 000和3 000 mg·kg~(-1)三个饲料添加剂量暴露组和1个对照组长期暴露对草鱼幼鱼肝脏和肌肉组织中氧化应激酶(SOD、CAT和GSH-PX)活性和抗氧化物质(GSH)含量的影响。结果显示:暴露8周后,随着DBDPE暴露水平的升高,草鱼幼鱼肝脏组织中氧化应激酶(SOD、CAT和GSH-PX)和抗氧化物质(GSH)均表现出低浓度诱导及高浓度抑制的效应。500和1 000 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组草鱼幼鱼肝脏组织中SOD、CAT和GSH-PX活性和GSH含量均显著高于对照组(P0.05),且均在500 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组达到最高。3 000 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组SOD、CAT和GSH-PX活性和GSH含量低于500和1 000 mg·kg~(-1)暴露组,但与对照组无显著性差异(P0.05)。草鱼幼鱼肌肉组织中氧化应激酶活性变化甚微,3个浓度剂量组肌肉组织中SOD、CAT活性和GSH含量以及500 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组GSH-PX活性与对照组均无显著性差异(P0.05)。研究成果表明DBDPE暴露影响草鱼幼鱼肝脏组织的抗氧化防御系统,可以诱导草鱼幼鱼产生氧化应激效应。     

经皮肤暴露四溴双酚A对Wistar雄性大鼠的毒性效应

尘/土以及含阻燃剂产品的皮肤接触是四溴双酚A(TBBPA)重要的人体暴露途径。为研究TBBPA经皮肤亚慢性暴露毒性效应,选择无特定病原菌级别(SPF级)Wistar雄性大鼠作为受试生物,分别设空白对照组(K)、溶剂对照组(Z),以及20mg·kg~(-1)(A)、60 mg·kg~(-1)(B)、200 mg·kg~(-1)(C)、600 mg·kg~(-1)(D)共4个不同剂量的TBBPA暴露组,采用皮肤接触的方式连续暴露90 d。暴露期间观察大鼠状态并称重,于第91天解剖大鼠,分离主要脏器称重计算脏器系数,并对暴露皮肤进行组织病理学检查。研究发现,经皮肤暴露TBBPA后,90 d暴露期间不同实验组Wistar大鼠在表观形态、行动、进食方面无差异,TBBPA暴露导致大鼠体重略微降低,但各处理组间大鼠体重无显著差异;90 d暴露后不同剂量组间大鼠的器官脏器系数没有显著的剂量-效应关系,不同剂量组大鼠皮肤暴露区域均有一定程度的炎症细胞浸润及部分组织胶原间隙增宽。研究结果表明,TBBP A 90 d亚慢性皮肤暴露对Wistar大鼠无明显毒性效应。     

纳米ZnO对中华圆田螺的氧化应激效应

以淡水螺为受试生物,研究了中华圆田螺(Cipangopaludina Cahayensis)肝脏中自由基强度、抗氧化酶活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量纳米ZnO暴露21 d时的变化情况.结果表明,纳米ZnO可显著诱导中华圆田螺产生羟基(·OH)自由基;超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和MDA含量的变化趋势相同,0.1—1 mg·L~(-1)暴露下活性随浓度增加逐渐增加,2 mg·L~(-1)时有所回落;过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性呈诱导状态,随浓度增加活性缓慢增大;谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GST)活性保持抑制状态;·OH信号强度与SOD活性和MDA含量的变化具有一致性;SOD活性和MDA含量激活率较高,CAT激活率则保持稳定.     

壬基酚聚氧乙烯醚暴露下赤子爱胜蚓（Eisenia foetida）的生理损伤

利用急性接触试验和人工土壤试验分别研究了壬基酚聚氧乙烯醚（NPEO）对赤子爱胜蚓（Eisenia foetida）的致死性和氧化损伤.急性接触试验结果显示,NPEO对赤子爱胜蚓的48 h毒性半致死剂量p（48 h,LD50）为0.58 mg·L^-1;人工土壤试验结果显示,NPEO可诱导赤子爱胜蚓CAT酶活力、GST酶活力、GSH含量和氧化产物（MDA）含量上升,暴露28 d时,NPEO浓度与赤子爱胜蚓CAT酶活力、GST酶活力、GSH含量和MDA含量呈正相关,且均存在显著的剂量-效应关系（P＜0.05）,NPEO剂量增加对赤子爱胜蚓SOD酶活性和Cu-Zn SOD酶活性有轻微抑制作用.以上结果表明NPEO在亚致死暴露浓度下＜0.50 mg· kg^-1）会对赤子爱胜蚓产生生理胁迫并导致一定程度的氧化损伤.     

长期饲喂钬对鲤鱼非特异性免疫酶活性的影响

以鲤鱼为研究对象,进行为期60 d的饲喂试验,研究了硝酸钬对其非特异性免疫的影响。结果表明:与对照组相比,在实验剂量范围内,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)在肝脏中呈先升高后降低的趋势,SOD、GSH-Px酶活性在20 mg·kg~(-1)时,升高显著(P0.05),三者在65 mg·kg~(-1)时都被显著抑制(P0.05);在肾中都被诱导,在65 mg·kg~(-1)升高显著(P0.05)。肝肾中丙二醛(MDA)含量都变化不显著(P0.05)。抗超氧阴离子自由基、抑制羟自由基能力和单胺氧化酶(MAO)活性都降低,且在65 mg·kg~(-1)时降低显著(P0.05或P0.01)。因此,在饲料中添加稀土元素钬20、42、65 mg·kg~(-1),能够影响非特异性免疫力,且鲤鱼肝组织比肾脏反应更敏感。     

四溴双酚A(TBBPA)对中肋骨条藻的毒性效应研究

为研究四溴双酚A(tetrabromobisphenol A,TBBPA)对海洋微藻的毒性效应,本文设置五个不同浓度组(0、1.0、5.0、10.0、20.0 mg·L-1)进行中肋骨条藻(Skeletonema costatum)培养实验,在96 h内取样分析其光合色素含量、可溶性蛋白含量、丙二醛(MDA)含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性的变化。结果表明,较低浓度组(1.0和5.0 mg·L-1)叶绿素a、叶绿素c和类胡萝卜素含量48 h之前被显著诱导,最大值出现在24 h;较高浓度组(10.0和20.0 mg·L-1)三种色素含量在48 h之前被显著抑制,24 h达最低值;72 h之后各浓度组均恢复到对照组水平。不同浓度TBBPA胁迫下,中肋骨条藻的可溶性蛋白含量、SOD活性和MDA含量一般被显著诱导,SOD活性和MDA含量在72 h和96 h时随TBBPA浓度升高而增加。虽然1.0 mg·L-1TBBPA对中肋骨条藻生长不具有可观测效应,但已影响到其生理生化指标。目前海水中TBBPA浓度较低,尚不会对中肋骨条藻产生毒性影响。     

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.