阿特拉津对弹琴蛙（Rana adenopleura）蝌蚪微核

分别在d1、d3、d7、d14,观察空白对照(CK-)、水溶助剂0.1mL/L二甲基亚砜对照(CK )、阿特拉津0.01mg/L(ρ1)、0.1mg/L(ρ2)、1mg/L(ρ3)和10mg/L(ρ4)溶液中弹琴蛙(Ranaadenopleura)蝌蚪血红细胞微核和核异常细胞数.结果表明,d14时,ρ1、ρ2、ρ3和ρ4组蝌蚪的微核率分别是CK-的2.25、2.50、4.25、5.11倍(P<0.05),说明阿特拉津可引起蝌蚪血红细胞微核率升高;且与d1、d3、d7相比较,微核率随着时间的延长有升高的趋势.d14时,ρ2、ρ3和ρ4组蝌蚪的总核异常率(含微核率)分别是CK-的2.59、2.17、1.96倍(P<0.05),说明阿特拉津也可引起蝌蚪血红细胞总核异常率升高.图2表1参17     

阿特拉津对弹琴蛙(Rana adenopleura)蝌蚪微核和核异常的影响

分别在d1、d3、d7、d14,观察空白对照(CK-)、水溶助剂0.1mL/L二甲基亚砜对照(CK )、阿特拉津0.01mg/L(ρ1)、0.1mg/L(ρ2)、1mg/L(ρ3)和10mg/L(ρ4)溶液中弹琴蛙(Ranaadenopleura)蝌蚪血红细胞微核和核异常细胞数.结果表明,d14时,ρ1、ρ2、ρ3和ρ4组蝌蚪的微核率分别是CK-的2.25、2.50、4.25、5.11倍(P<0.05),说明阿特拉津可引起蝌蚪血红细胞微核率升高;且与d1、d3、d7相比较,微核率随着时间的延长有升高的趋势.d14时,ρ2、ρ3和ρ4组蝌蚪的总核异常率(含微核率)分别是CK-的2.59、2.17、1.96倍(P<0.05),说明阿特拉津也可引起蝌蚪血红细胞总核异常率升高.图2表1参17     

低质量浓度苯酚连续暴露对罗非鱼基因组DNA的影响

苯酚是中国地表水中的第一大类污染物,对水生生态环境存在一定的生态风险。RAPD技术是一种新型基因差异分析技术,具有简单灵敏和快速的优点;微核试验简便、快速、可靠,已经成为筛选化学诱变物的经典的短期试验方法。运用RAPD技术和外周血嗜多染红细胞微核试验分析评价了低质量浓度苯酚连续暴露对罗非鱼(Oreochromis aurea)DNA的影响,为保护罗非鱼的种质资源、提高罗非鱼的质量安全提供依据。RAPD试验结果表明:在12个能扩增出罗非鱼基因组DNA的引物中,引物S327能检测出0.005mg?L-1以上质量浓度苯酚暴露前后罗非鱼基因组DNA的差异,而小于0.002mg?L-1质量浓度的苯酚对罗非鱼基因组DNA没有影响。外周血嗜多染红细胞微核试验结果表明:在一定质量浓度的苯酚连续暴露后,0.005mg?L-1以下的质量浓度组罗非鱼外周血红细胞微核率与对照组相比没有显著的差异(P>0.05),而0.01mg?L-1以上的质量浓度组可诱导罗非鱼外周血红细胞产生微核。微核率与对照组相比差异显著(P<0.05),表现出明显的剂量-效应和时间-效应关系。研究表明苯酚在一定的条件下可对鱼类DNA产生影响。     

不同浓度Cd~(2+)对鲤鱼基因组DNA的影响

鲤鱼(建鲤品种)幼鱼暴露于4个浓度组(0.005、0.05、0.5、5mg/L)的镉离子(Cd~(2+))2d,期间各组的个体均无死亡.用10个RAPD引物对处理后鲤鱼基因组进行扩增,亦未发现有明显的差异扩增条带.但在用甲基化敏感扩增多态性方法研究暴露后鲤鱼肌肉组织的基因组DNA甲基化的变化时发现,5mg/L的Cd~(2+)在d2会使鲤鱼基因组DNA中CCGG区域甲基化发生明显的变化.该组个体1mol后出现大量死亡.另外,0.05mg/L和0.5mg/L Cd~(2+)组个体基因组DNA中CCGG区域甲基化比例2d内略有下降,甲基化位点没有太大改变.说明鲤鱼幼鱼基因组CCGG区域的胞嘧啶甲基化比例在不同浓度Cd~(2+)处理中都比较稳定.低浓度Cd~(2+)条件下鲤鱼主要通过甲基化区域的微调减少Cd~(2+)的生理毒性.高浓度Cd~(2+)处理下,利于基因组DNA甲基化区域发生相当的变化,可能导致一些沉默基因的异常表达.图2表2参31     

利用微量热法研究Cd^2＋和Cu^2＋对嗜热四膜虫（Tetrahymena thermophila）的毒性效应

利用微量热法研究Cd2+和Cu2+对嗜热四膜虫BF5 (Tetrahymena thermophila BF5)生长代谢毒性效应,结果表明 ①低浓度的Cd2 + (0～0.4 mg L-1)和Cu2+(0～10 mg L-1)对四膜虫的生长有促进作用,而高浓度的Cd2 +(0.8～3.2 mg L-1)和Cu2+(20～200 mg L-1)则产生抑制作用;②Cd2+和Cu2+的半抑制浓度IC50分别为2.04 mg/L和155.5 mg/L;③联合毒性为协同作用;④微量热法所得Cd2+和Cu2+单独作用时的IC10分别为0.96 mg/L和19.9 mg/L,高于种类损伤法结果;⑤微量热法所得Cd2+和Cu2+单独作用时的IC10均高于II级饮用水水质标准.而Cd2+和Cu2+间的协同作用使Cd2+的IC10降低为0.31 mg/L,高于水质标准;Cu2+的IC10降低为1.16 mg/L,与水质标准相近.总之,微量热法不仅是一种快速评价污染物毒性效应的新方法,而且可用于相关的环境毒理学理论研究. 图1 表5 参16     

硒对汞胁迫小麦幼苗生理特性的影响

通过沙基培养研究不同ρ（Se）对Hg胁迫下小麦（Triticum aestivum L.）幼苗苗高、叶绿素相对含量（SPDA）、丙二醛（MDA）含量及抗氧化酶活性等的变化,探讨外加Se对Hg胁迫下小麦幼苗生理活性的影响。结果表明：单独ρ（Hg）=2.5 mg.L-1处理下,小麦幼苗叶绿素含量降低,SOD与CAT活性受到抑制降低,丙二醛（MDA）含量升高。ρ（Se）=5 mg.L-1和ρ（Hg）=2.5 mg.L-1共同处理下,叶绿素含量比Hg单独处理升高了7.6%,比对照升高了3.5%,MDA含量降低了38.8%,低于对照20.0%;外加ρ（Se）高于10 mg.L-1的处理中,叶绿素含量逐渐降低,MDA则呈升高趋势。ρ（Hg）=2.5 mg.L-1胁迫下低ρ（Se）=5~10 mg.L-1促进了SOD与CAT活性,其活性随Se质量浓度升高逐渐增强;ρ（Se）=10 mg.L-1和ρ（Hg）=2.5 mg.L-1共同处理下,两种酶活性比Hg单独处理分别升高了21.8%与32.8%,高ρ（Se）=15~20 mg.L-1处理下,两种酶活性则呈下降趋势。这些结果表明,不同ρ（Se）对Hg胁迫下小麦幼苗各生理指标具有显著影响,Se一定程度上缓解了Hg对小麦幼苗的毒害。     

铬在小鼠体内的蓄积效应与毒性

铬的工业用途很广,主要用于金属加工、电镀、制革等行业,这些行业排放的三废导致了环境铬污染,对环境生态和人体健康造成危害。为探究铬对动物的毒性作用,选择昆明种纯系小白鼠作为受试生物,研究六价铬在小鼠体内的蓄积效应及毒性。结果显示,饮用水中一定浓度的六价铬(15~70 mg·L-1)可抑制小鼠体重的正常增长,染毒30 d后,小鼠肝脏和肾脏脏器系数下降,脾脏和脑的脏器系数提高;总铬含量在心脏和脾脏中增高,其他脏器中无明显蓄积效应;铬染毒组小鼠骨髓细胞活性氧水平提高,骨髓嗜多染红细胞微核率显著增高。结果表明,通过饮水摄入六价铬可造成小鼠肝肾损伤,心脏和脾脏内铬蓄积,并通过活性氧损伤效应破坏机体的遗传稳定性。     

利用微量热法研究Cd2+和Cu2+对嗜热四膜虫(Tetrahymena thermophila)的毒性效应

利用微量热法研究Cd2 和Cu2 对嗜热四膜虫BF5(TetrahymenathermophilaBF5)生长代谢毒性效应 ,结果表明 :①低浓度的Cd2 (0～ 0 .4mgL-1)和Cu2 (0～ 10mgL-1)对四膜虫的生长有促进作用 ,而高浓度的Cd2 (0 .8～ 3.2mgL-1)和Cu2 (2 0～ 2 0 0mgL-1)则产生抑制作用 ;②Cd2 和Cu2 的半抑制浓度IC50 分别为 2 .0 4mg/L和15 5 .5mg/L ;③联合毒性为协同作用 ;④微量热法所得Cd2 和Cu2 单独作用时的IC10 分别为 0 .96mg/L和 19.9mg/L ,高于种类损伤法结果 ;⑤微量热法所得Cd2 和Cu2 单独作用时的IC10 均高于II级饮用水水质标准 .而Cd2 和Cu2 间的协同作用使Cd2 的IC10 降低为 0 .31mg/L ,高于水质标准 ;Cu2 的IC10 降低为 1.16mg/L ,与水质标准相近 .总之 ,微量热法不仅是一种快速评价污染物毒性效应的新方法 ,而且可用于相关的环境毒理学理论研究 .图 1表 5参 16     

己酸二乙氨基乙醇酯的致突变性研究

采用鼠伤寒沙门氏菌回复突变试验(Ames试验),用TA97,TA98,TA100和TA102菌株,加与不加S9,剂量分别设为每皿1000μg,500μg和250μg;小鼠骨髓多染红细胞微核试验,剂量设为雄性、雌性小鼠给药剂量均为250,500和1000mg*kg-1;小鼠睾丸精母细胞染色体畸变试验,剂量设为625mg*kg-1,1250mg*kg-1和2500mg*kg-1.结果表明,Ames试验中,各测试浓度的诱发回变菌落数均未超过自发回变菌落数的2倍;小鼠骨髓多染红细胞微核试验和小鼠睾丸精母细胞染色体畸变试验,各剂量组和溶剂对照组的微核率进行统计学处理,未见有显着性差异(P＞0.05),表明各项试验结果均为阴性.因此,己酸二乙氨基乙醇酯无致突变作用.     

Cd对河南华溪蟹(Sinopotamon henanense)主要组织器官SOD和POD同工酶的影响

采用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(PAGE)的方法,研究了5种浓度的镉(Cd:7.25,14.5,29,58,116mg/L)对河南华溪蟹(Sinopotamonhenanense)肝胰腺、鳃和心脏中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化物酶(POD)同工酶的影响。结果显示,在实验剂量范围内,随着Cd浓度的增加,肝胰腺和鳃中SOD同工酶和POD同工酶有显著的变化,包括新酶带的出现和酶带强度的变化.Cd对肝胰腺和鳃中SOD同工酶具有明显的激活效应,但是对POD同工酶却有抑制作用.Cd对心脏中SOD同工酶的影响不明显,基本没有变化,但却可以抑制POD同工酶的相对活性,包括酶带数和酶带强度的变化.表明SOD和POD同工酶的变化可以灵敏地反映Cd对河南华溪蟹的胁迫程度及毒性大小.     

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.