Effects of water management, connectivity, and surrounding land use on habitat use by frogs in rice paddies in Japan

In Japan, rice paddies play an important role as a substitute habitat for wetland species, and support rich indigenous ecosystems. However, since the 1950s, agricultural modernization has altered the rice paddy environment, and many previously common species are now endangered. It is urgently necessary to evaluate rice paddies as habitats for conservation. Among the species living in rice paddies, frogs are representative and are good indicator species, so we focused on frog species and analyzed the influence of environmental factors on their habitat use. We found four frog species and one subspecies (Hyla japonica, Pelophylax nigromaculatus, Glandirana rugosa, Lithobates catesbeianus, and Pelophylax porosa brevipoda) at our study sites in Shiga prefecture. For all but L. catesbeianus, we analyzed the influence of environmental factors related to rice paddy structure, water management and availability, agrochemical use, connectivity, and land use on breeding and non-breeding habitat use. We constructed generalized additive mixed models with survey date as the smooth term and applied Akaike's information criterion to choose the bestranked model. Because life histories and biological characteristics vary among species, the factors affecting habitat use by frogs are also expected to differ by species. We found that both breeding and non-breeding habitat uses of each studied species were influenced by different combinations of environmental factors and that in most cases, habitat use showed seasonality. For frog conservation in rice paddies, we need to choose favorable rice paddy in relation to surrounding land use and apply suitable management for target species.     

Preference for natural borders in rice paddies by two treefrog species

In the Republic of Korea, one of the biggest threats to amphibians is habitat modification such as urbanisation and land conversion. With the loss of natural habitats, rice paddies play an important role as substitute habitats for amphibians that originally inhabited wetlands. However, since the 70’s, traditional rice agriculture has been modernised, leading to an increase in the number of concrete ditches and roads bordering rice paddies. This modernisation could have affected the distribution and density of amphibians. In this study, we investigated the preferred position, based on the advertisement calls for two treefrog species (Dryophytes japonicus and D. suweonensis), in relation to different types of borders such as natural ditch, concrete ditch, one-lane dirt road and vegetation. The results show that treefrogs seem to avoid rice paddies with concrete ditches, and with no ditch, which provided no resting microhabitat. The sides of the paddies preferred by the two treefrog species were the ones with vegetation of 30?cm wider or higher, while the two species seemed to avoid the side of paddies with roads. Our results are important for the conservation of anuran species in rice paddies in general as it highlights the need for vegetated areas, preferentially along natural ditches.     

转cry1 Ab基因粳稻对稻田节肢动物群落的影响

在将稻田节肢动物群落按营养关系分为植食类、寄生类、捕食类、腐食类和其他类等5个功能团的基础上,从功能团优势度、群落结构参数及群落相异性等方面,经2年3点的调查就2个转cry1Ab基因粳稻（Bt粳稻）品系KMD1和KMD2对稻田节肢动物群落结构的影响做了评价。结果表明：在大多数情况下,Bt粳稻与对照间各功能团优势度、群落结构参数[物种丰富度（S）、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数（H′）、均匀性指数（J）、优势集中性指数（C）]及其时间动态无明显差异;Bt粳稻与对照间植食类、寄生类、捕食类亚群落,及整个节肢动物群落的相似性也较高。综合分析认为,Bt粳稻对稻田节肢动物群落结构无明显的负面影响。     

Contribution of different aquatic habitats to adult Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) production in a rice agroecosystem in Mwea, Kenya

Studies were conducted to determine the contribution of diverse larval habitats to adult Anopheles arabiensis Patton and Culex quinquefasciatus Say production in a rice land agro-ecosystem in Mwea, Kenya. Two sizes of cages were placed in different habitat types to investigate the influence of non-mosquito invertebrates on larval mortalities and the contribution of each habitat type to mosquito productivities, respectively. These emergence traps had fine netting material covers to prevent adult mosquitoes from ovipositing in the area covered by the trap and immature mosquitoes from entering the cages. The emergence of Anopheles arabiensis in seeps, tire tracks, temporary pools, and paddies was 10.53%, 17.31%, 12.50%, and 2.14%, respectively, while the corresponding values for Cx. quinquefasciatus were 16.85% in tire tracks, 8.39% in temporary pools, and 5.65% in the paddies from 0.125 m3 cages during the study. Cages measuring 1 m3 were placed in different habitat types which included paddy, swamp, marsh, ditch, pool, and seep to determine larval habitat productivity. An. arabiensis was the predominant anopheline species (98.0%, n = 232), although a few Anopheles coustani Laveran (2.0%, n = 5) emerged from the habitats. The productivity for An. arabiensis larvae was 6.0 mosquitoes per m2 for the temporary pools, 5.5 for paddy, 5.4 for marsh, 2.7 for ditch, and 0.6 for seep. The Cx. quinquefasciatus larval habitat productivity was 47.8 mosquitoes per m2 for paddies, 35.7 for ditches, 11.1 for marshes, 4.2 for seeps, 2.4 for swamps, and 1.0 for temporary pools. Pools, paddy, and marsh habitat types were the most productive larval habitats for An. arabiensis while paddy, ditch, and marsh were the most productive larval habitats for Cx. quinquefasciatus. The most common non-mosquito invertebrate composition in the cages included Dytiscidae, Notonectidae, Belostomatidae, and Ephemerellidae, and their presence negatively affected the number of emergent mosquitoes from the cages. In conclusion, freshly formed habitats are the most productive aquatic habitats, while old and more permanent habitats are the least productive due to natural regulation of mosquito immatures.     

农田景观和管理方式对稻田系统植物多样性的复合影响

农田生物多样性对于维持农田生态系统服务功能和农业可持续发展具有重要意义。为揭示农田景观特征和管理方式对农田生态系统植物群落和物种多样性的影响, 以有机稻田(ON)、常规化防稻田(天然林脚下, CN)、常规化防稻田(距天然林>10km, CF)系统为研究对象, 调查了田内、田埂和沟渠生境的植物物种组成和多样性特征, 并对三种类型稻田系统共125个样方进行DCA排序分析。结果表明: (1)有机稻田的物种丰富度显著高于两种常规化防稻田, 其中, ON植物由51科101属109种组成, CN植物由35科69属74种组成, CF植物由23科49属54种组成; (2)ON的Simpson指数和Shannon-Weiner多样性指数与CN均没有显著性差异, 但显著高于CF; (3)无论是有机稻田还是常规化防稻田, 物种丰富度、Simpson指数和Shannon-Weiner指数均以田埂最高, 沟渠次之, 田内最低; (4)总体而言, 相同生境下, ON各多样性指数(J除外)均高于CN, 但无显著差异, 而与CF差异显著。此外, DCA排序图显示, 相同生境下, ON和CN的植物群落相似性较大, 而CN和CF的群落相似性小。上述结果共同表明, 农田植物物种多样性维持受农田管理方式和农田景观特征的复合影响, 低集约化农田景观对于维持农田生态系统植物物种多样性和群落组成具有更重要作用。     

The water system of traditional rice paddies as an important habitatof the giant water bug, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lethocerus deyrollei</Emphasis> (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae)

The population dynamics of Lethocerus deyrollei, including the seasonal change in the habitat utilization, were studied in five types of waters, permanent and temporary pools, ditch, rice paddy and marsh in a Satoyama, the traditional landscape in Japan consisting of mixtures of coppice woodlands, farmlands, and settlements, in northern Osaka, from June, 1999 to December, 2001. A mark and recapture census was carried out with adults, and the stage and the number were recorded in nymphs. A total of 95 adults were numbered, and 48 (51%) were recaptured in all the five water types during the study period. Adults of the new generation appeared from late July, and disappeared before the winter in all types of waters. A total of three overwintered adults were recaptured in permanent and temporary pools, ditch, and paddy from between early April and early June. Densities of both L. deyrollei adults and their prey, tadpoles and frogs, were high in permanent and temporary pools, and ditch, in which water temperatures were high in the summer season. Third to fifth (final) instar nymphs were also observed in all water types with different densities in summer, while first and second instars were found only in permanent pool, ditch and paddy habitats in which water temperatures were high and oviposition substrata such as the rice plant, other hygrophytes and wooden stakes existed. These results show that the traditional water system of paddy in the Satoyama landscape as a whole provides an important habitat for L. deyrollei which is now under threat by changing agricultural practices like other native biota inhabiting the system.     

崇明东滩冬季不同管理模式下水稻田水鸟群落特征及其生境分析

崇明东滩是亚太地区候鸟迁徙路线的重要中转站,也是上海地区促淤圈围的重点区域。水稻(Oryza sativa)田作为当地分布广泛且重点改造的人工湿地,研究其是否具有水鸟招引效果具有重要意义。本研究于2013和2014年冬季采用样方法对崇明东滩两种不同管理模式的水稻田,即2013年开始改造的传统模式水稻田和改造多年的机械化模式水稻田,进行了水鸟群落及生境因子调查,以探究不同管理模式下水稻田内生境差异,水鸟对不同生境的利用程度及其不同生境中的关键因子对水鸟分布的影响。调查期间共记录到水鸟5目7科18种1 795只次,其中传统模式水稻田记录到水鸟5目6科17种1 756只次,优势种为绿翅鸭(Anas crecca)、斑嘴鸭(A.poecilorhyncha)、鹤鹬(Tringa erythropus);机械化模式水稻田录到水鸟4目5科6种39只次,优势种为小??(Tachybaptus ruficollis)和凤头麦鸡(Vanellus vanellus)。T检验结果显示,传统模式水稻田对水鸟的招引效果(即多度和物种丰富度)显著优于机械化模式水稻田,2014年改造后传统模式水稻田的水鸟招引效果显著优于2013改造初期。多元回归分析显示,明水面面积比例是影响水稻田水鸟种类、数量分布的最重要因子。结果表明,明水面面积和适合的水位高度是影响冬季水稻田水鸟招引效果的主要因素,为提高冬季水稻田水鸟保育效果,应注重营造、维护冬季水稻田中水文条件。     

Effects of double rice cropping with irrigation on the diversity of herbaceous plants and their utilization as a food source in paddy fields of southern Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Herbaceous plant diversity including rare aquatic species has been lost in many countries by agricultural intensification and abandonment. In paddy fields of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), irrigation facilities have been constructed rapidly since 1997. The aim of this study was to clarify the impacts of double rice cropping accompanied by the introduction of irrigation systems on herbaceous plant diversity and utilization in paddy fields of southern Lao PDR. Ground vegetation surveys and interviews were conducted in Kok Deau and Lak 30 villages in Champasak Province, and propagule bank survey was conducted in Kok Deau village. The species richness and species diversity, measured by the Shannon’s diversity index, were not significantly different between the irrigated and rainfed paddies (p?>?0.05), when compared in both the wet and dry seasons. However, double rice cropping with irrigation systems affected herbaceous plant species composition in paddy fields. Increased use of chemical fertilizers in irrigated paddies resulted in predominance of tall undesirable species, such as Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl and Echinochloa colona (L.) Link. Small and frequently submerged species were dominant in the ground vegetation and propagule banks of the rainfed paddies. Since small submerged species are often sensitive to environmental changes, increase of irrigated paddy area may lead to a decrease in the variety of aquatic herbaceous plants in Lao PDR. While a total of 9 herbaceous plant species were utilized as foods in the villages, no change was recognized by farmers in species composition and frequency of utilization of paddy plants as food before and after the development of the irrigation systems.

     

生境异质度对稻田捕食性天敌及水稻害虫的生态调节有效性

【目的】探索生境高异质度对稻田捕食性天敌及水稻害虫的生态调节有效性,了解这种策略是否会引起其他植食性昆虫成为水稻重要害虫的风险。【方法】2017-2018年连续2年种植单季稻,在稻田边缘种植花生与大豆,构建高异质性边缘生境稻田(rice paddy with high heterogeneous marginal habitats, HHR),调查HHR稻田与简单低异质性边缘生境稻田(rice paddy with low heterogeneous marginal habitats, LHR)中捕食性天敌与水稻害虫功能团的发生规律与相关性,计算益害比。【结果】2017年在HHR稻田中采集到捕食性天敌40种,1 667头;在LHR稻田中采集到捕食性天敌30种,991头。2018年在HHR稻田中采集到捕食性天敌33种,1 384头;在LHR稻田中采集到捕食性天敌34种,1 031头。HHR与LHR两类稻田中获得的捕食性天敌群落重要值P_i≥0.01的物种相似度很高,优势种相似。2017年HHR稻田的捕食性天敌物种丰富度明显高于LHR稻田,这种差异主要由群落重要值P_i<0.01的种类引起。2018年两类稻田的捕食性天敌物种丰富度没有差异。单位样方面积内的捕食性天敌个体数量,HHR中明显高于LHR,这种差异在2017年的分蘖期与成熟期达显著水平(P<0.05),在2018年的开花期极显著(P<0.01)。2017年在HHR中采集到水稻害虫22种,637头;在LHR中采集到水稻害虫19种,743头;物种相似性系数0.88。2018年在HHR中采集到水稻害虫16种,1 011头;在LHR中采集到水稻害虫16种,2 014头;物种相似性系数0.75;主要害虫物种组成结构相同。水稻害虫数量发生的时间动态分析表明,在分蘖期,虽然HHR稻田中的水稻害虫数量明显高于LHR(P<0.05),但此期害虫的数量不多,发生较轻。在孕穗期、开花期与成熟期,HHR稻田中的水稻害虫数量明显低于LHR稻田,这种差异在2017年的成熟期与2018年的孕穗期极显著(P<0.01),在2018年的成熟期差异显著(P<0.05)。2017年HHR和LHR中个体数量益害比N_pi值分别为2.62和1.33;2018年分别为1.37和0.51。【结论】具有高异质性边缘生境的稻田,能提高系统对捕食性天敌物种的涵养潜力,显著提高稻田捕食性天敌个体数量,提高益害比,具有更好的控制害虫的物质基础,促进捕食性天敌对水稻害虫的生态控制效能,不会引起其他植食性昆虫演变为水稻重要害虫风险,可为保护稻田生态系统天敌发挥生态效能提供可借鉴的策略与方法。     

Distributional change and epidemic introgression in overlapping areas of Japanese pond frog species over 30 years

Pelophylax nigromaculatus, P. porosus porosus, and P. p. brevipoda are three pond frog species distributed in Japan. Their distributions overlap at two basins in central Japan (P. nigromaculatus and P. p. porosus in the Matsumoto basin, and P. nigromaculatus and P. p. brevipoda in the Ina basin), and hybrid descendants have been found in these areas. To clarify the distribution areas and hybrid zones of the frogs, and to understand the mode of introgressive hybridization and its impact on the frog populations, we conducted exhaustive sampling at each basin and performed allozyme and mtDNA analyses of 233 individuals. Analysis using genetic markers clearly detected nine F1 hybrids and 94 hybrid descendants of P. nigromaculatus and P. porosus from the overlapping areas of both basins. Allozyme and mtDNA data suggest directional hybridization between female P. p. porosus and male P. nigromaculatus in the Matsumoto basin. Over the past 30 years, the distribution of P. p. porosus has been narrowed and fragmented by the invasion of P. nigromaculatus, seemingly because of directional hybridization in the Matsumoto basin. In the Ina basin, the "pure" P. p. brevipoda (n = 8) population was extremely reduced by gene introgression from P. nigromaculatus, yet its distribution was barely changed compared to the Matsumoto basin. Consequently, this study shows that P. porosus populations are threatened by interspecific hybridization with P. nigromaculatus, and that introgressive hybridization damaged P. porosus populations by different means in each basin.     

Patterns of reproduction and habitat use in an assemblage of Neotropical hylid frogs

We censused pond-breeding hylid frogs in northeastern Costa Rica weekly for 15 months to deseribe patterns of reproduction, habitat use, and to establish baseline data on relative abundance for members of the assemblage. Reproduction in the Costa Rican assemblage was seasonal and occurred only during wet months. Some species called, but none reproduced, during the dry season. Three species (Agalychnis callidryas, Hyla ebraccata, and Scinax elaeochroa) accounted for more than 75% of the observations made during the study. The species overlapped broadly in time and space, but differed in substrate use and phenology. Two species of leaf-breeding frogs (A. callidryas and A. saltator) used perches that were significantly higher than those used by the other species. Some phenological differences were associated with different mating strategies. Explosive breeders (Scinax elaeochroa and Smilisca baudinii) were most common early in the wet seasons. Prolonged breeders (A. callidryas and H. ebraccata) were the most persistent members of this assemblage. Predation affects early and late life history stages of these hylids. Predation on arboreal egg masses by two snake species was observed. Ctenid spiders preyed on recently metamorphosed frogs and small adults. Our weekly samples were pooled into 21-day periods so that we could compare our results with those obtained for two communities of breeding anurans from South America. The patterns observed in the Costa Rican assemblage differed from those reported for South American pond-breeding frogs, but in all three assemblages reproduction was associated with wet periods.     

Secondary Succession and Natural Habitat Restoration in Abandoned Rice Fields of Central Korea

Floristic composition and soil characteristics (moisture, pH, nutrient contents) in abandoned upland rice paddies of different ages were analyzed to clarify the regenerative aspects of succession as a tool for habitat restoration. The study sites represented five seral stages: newly abandoned paddy fields; successional paddy fields abandoned for 3, 7, and 10 years; and a 50‐year‐old Alnus japonica forest. A vegetation sere was apparent in changes of dominant plant species in the order Alopecurus aequalis var. amurensis (annual grass), Aneilema keisak (annual forb), Juncus effusus var. decipiens (rush), Salix koriyanagi (willow), and Alnus japonica (alder) communities. These temporal stages resemble the spatial zonation of vegetation in local riparian floodplain ecosystems, indicating a hydrosere, with soil moisture decreasing over time. Age distributions and life forms of the dominant plant species support a “tolerance” model of secondary succession, in which the established species persist into later successional stages. Persistence of earlier colonizers led to a net cumulative increase in species richness and a more even distribution of species cover with increasing field age. Between 10 and 50 years, vegetation stabilizes as an alder community. Soil moisture content decreased steadily with paddy field age after an initial rise immediately after their abandonment, whereas pools of organic matter, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, increased with field age. The pace and direction of recovery of native vegetation and natural soil properties in these abandoned rice paddies resembled classic old field succession, a form of secondary succession that often serves as a template for guiding restoration efforts. Active intervention, in particular dismantling artificial levees, could accelerate the recovery process, but natural habitat recovery generally appears sufficiently robust to achieve “passive” restoration of this rare community without intervention.     

Phylogenetic studies on some Japanese amphibia by means of immunoelectrophoresis. II. Relationships of some amphibians to Japanese pond frogs (author's transl)

Since the Japanese pond frogs (Rana nigromaculata and R. brevipoda) are known to be very closely allied with each other in morphological, ecological, physiological or immunological characters, the phylogenetical relationships between the Japanese pond frogs and other 10 species of Japanese amphibians were investigated by means of immunoelectrophoretic analysis of liver extract. The results obtained are as follows: (1) There are conservative antigens which are commonly found in all species of Anura. (2) The Japanese pond frogs have specific antigens. (3) R. nigromaculata and R. brevidpoda are very closely allied with each other. (4) Four species of the genus Rana (R. rugosa, R. catesbeiana, R. ornativentris and R. japonica) are closely related to the Japanese pond frogs. (5) Two species of the genus Rhacophorus (Rh. arboreus and Rh. burergeri) are related to the Japanese pond frogs. (6) R. limnocharis is related to the Japanese pond frogs at the same extent as the genus Rhcophorus is. (7) Tow species of the suborder Procoela (Hyla arbored and Bufo bufo) are only partially related to the Japanese pond frogs. (8) Cynops pyrrhogaster pyrrhogaster of Urodera had only a few common antigens with the Japanese pond frogs.     

红瘰疣螈的繁殖生态

红瘰疣螈(Tylototriton shanjing)为国家Ⅱ级重点保护野生动物,对其繁殖生态尚无系统的研究。2007～2010年在云南省新平县哀牢山对红瘰疣螈形态、繁殖栖息地、求偶和交配行为、产卵及孵化等繁殖特征进行了研究。结果表明,红瘰疣螈雌雄两性在广泛的形态学度量特征上存在着差异;繁殖栖息地主要为稻田和潮湿的沟渠;参与繁殖的雌雄成体性比随繁殖时间的推移而不断变化,繁殖前期和后期雄性比例高,中期雌性比例高。求偶和交配主要在陆地潮湿的水沟中完成,也可在静水中进行。成体产卵活动从5月初持续至6月下旬,呈现出波浪式的产卵进程,个体完成产卵平均时间为(22.2±2.7)h。繁殖前期雌螈产卵于稻田,中后期产于多杂草的田埂草丛和泥壁,平均产卵数(126±18)枚(n=17)。平均孵化期(17.3±0.1)d(n=225),孵化率59.8%(n=79),孵化时幼体平均体长12.7mm(n=6)。     

Habits and relative population densities of some hydrophilids in California rice fields

Populations of the hydrophilids Berosus styliferus Horn, Hydrophilus triangularis Say, and Tropisternus lateralis (Fabricius) were observed in northern California rice paddies. Relative adult and larval density for each species was determined using aquatic light traps adjacent to the water margin, and at 5 m and 30 m distances from the levee. Egg cases were monitored by recording numbers per unit area.The seasonal patterns of abundance indicate each species has a univoltine life cycle. All stages of B. styliferus and H. triangularis are more abundant nearer the levees. T. lateralis adults are commonly found at the levees during the first 10 weeks post-flood, whereas T. lateralis larvae and egg cases are most numerous at the 30 m distance.Colonication of the paddies occurs through water connections, flight, and adult overwintering.     

Bat activity and species richness in different land‐use types in and around Chome Nature Forest Reserve,Tanzania

Bats have important ecological roles in ecosystems, but many species are threatened because of anthropogenic impacts. Tanzania has limited information on how bats respond to habitat modification. This makes it difficult to anticipate which bat species are at risk. Bat activity and species richness were assessed in five land‐use types: forest and banana–coffee (upland habitats), rice paddy, riverine and sisal estate (lowland habitats). Mist nets, harp traps and bat detectors were used to sample bats. Species richness differed between habitats. Bat activity levels were higher in lowland habitats than upland habitats. Riverine and rice paddy habitats were shown to have an important role as foraging sites for many insectivorous bats as bat species richness and activity were generally higher than other habitats. Fruit‐eating bats preferred riverine and banana–coffee habitats. We recommend using organic manure as alternatives to chemical fertilisers, and pesticide use should be avoided in rice paddies. Riparian vegetation along rivers and water bodies should be maintained as important faunal nesting, roosting and/or foraging grounds. The requirement that farming practices be at least 60 m from the river should be strictly enforced. These recommendations will help in the conservation of bats and their habitats in modified agricultural landscapes.     

Connectivity and propagule sources composition drive ditch plant metacommunity structure

The fragmentation of agricultural landscapes has a major impact on biodiversity. In addition to habitat loss, dispersal limitation increasingly appears as a significant driver of biodiversity decline. Landscape linear elements, like ditches, may reduce the negative impacts of fragmentation by enhancing connectivity for many organisms, in addition to providing refuge habitats. To characterize these effects, we investigated the respective roles of propagule source composition and connectivity at the landscape scale on hydrochorous and non-hydrochorous ditch bank plant metacommunities. Twenty-seven square sites (0.5 km² each) were selected in an agricultural lowland of northern France. At each site, plant communities were sampled on nine ditch banks (totaling 243 ditches). Variables characterizing propagule sources composition and connectivity were calculated for landscape mosaic and ditch network models. The landscape mosaic influenced only non-hydrochorous species, while the ditch network impacted both hydrochorous and non-hydrochorous species. Non-hydrochorous metacommunities were dependent on a large set of land-use elements, either within the landscape mosaic or adjacent to the ditch network, whereas hydrochorous plant metacommunities were only impacted by the presence of ditches adjacent to crops and roads. Ditch network connectivity also influenced both hydrochorous and non-hydrochorous ditch bank plant metacommunity structure, suggesting that beyond favoring hydrochory, ditches may also enhance plant dispersal by acting on other dispersal vectors. Increasing propagule sources heterogeneity and connectivity appeared to decrease within-metacommunity similarity within landscapes. Altogether, our results suggest that the ditch network's composition and configuration impacts plant metacommunity structure by affecting propagule dispersal possibilities, with contrasted consequences depending on species' dispersal vectors.     

Influence of farming system on the floristic composition of paddy landscapes: a case study in a rural hilly zone in Zhejiang province,China

The effects of two contrasting farming systems on the floristic composition and vegetation structure that make up the Yatoda landscape were investigated. The experimental field was set up at Yatoda in a hilly district in Zhejiang province, China. Vegetation surveys were done in summer 2002 and 2003. Vegetation was divided into four types based on species composition: grassland formerly used for rice cultivation (G), rice paddy (P), ridge way (R), and levee slope (S). In P, R, and S plots, each vegetation type was subdivided according to the different farming systems. Under the traditional system, there were a number of species, and the diversity index values were greater than those under the conventional system. Blyxa echinosperma and Marsilea quadrifolia, which are threatened species in Japan, were seen in the paddy field under the traditional farming system.     

Effects of creation of open vegetation in abandoned terraced paddy fields on carabid beetle assemblages in temperate Japan

Many paddy fields in the mountainous rural areas of Japan have been abandoned since the 1960s, and forests have regenerated on these sites. In a mountainous area on Sado Island, a large number of abandoned paddies were converted into wetlands and open terrestrial vegetation. In this study, we used pitfall traps to examine the effects of the creation of open vegetation on carabid beetle assemblages by investigating 14 sites spanning five vegetation types: six sites in secondary forests (three coppice forests and three 40‐year‐old regenerating forests on abandoned paddies), three each in clear‐cuts and paddy levees, and two in grasslands. The 14 study sites were clearly separated into two groups different in the species composition of carabid beetles: secondary forest and grassland‐levee groups. The species composition of two clear‐cut sites was similar to that of secondary forests, whereas that of the remaining one clear‐cut site was similar to that of grasslands. Analyses of species responses showed various habitat preferences, e.g., for only coppice forests, for two types of secondary forests, for secondary forests and clear‐cuts, for clear‐cuts and grasslands, and for grasslands or levees, or no clear preference. There were no characteristic species in the regenerating forests. These results suggest that the 40‐year‐old regenerating forests may sustain only a limited subset of the carabid fauna found in coppice forests and that the creation of open vegetation in the abandoned paddies enhances carabid diversity at the landscape level by raising β diversity among the different vegetation types.     

长期不同施肥下水稻土甲烷氧化能力及甲烷氧化菌多样性的变化

稻田内源甲烷的氧化是稻田甲烷减排的重要途径。而甲烷氧化菌是土壤中甲烷氧化的主要施动者,在长期不同施肥条件下,土壤微生物群落的演变是否影响到土壤甲烷氧化菌群落结构及其活性,进而影响到田土壤CH4向大气的实际排放强度还不清楚。为此,选择太湖地区一个长期肥料试验的稻田土壤为研究对象,分析长期不同肥料施用对土壤甲烷氧化能力的影响及其与土壤中甲烷氧化菌群落结构变化的可能关系。结果表明,长期不同的施肥措施下稻田土壤对甲烷的氧化能力产生了明显差异,伴随着土壤中甲烷氧化菌（MOBI和MOBII）的基因群落多样性的显著变化。长期单一施用氮肥为主的化肥显著降低了土壤对甲烷的氧化能力,同时显著降低了稻田土壤甲烷氧化菌的多样性和丰富度;不同施肥下甲烷氧化菌多样性的变化与土壤的甲烷氧化能力的变化趋势相一致。因此,研究显示长期不同施肥处理下甲烷氧化菌群落结构的改变可能是引起水稻土甲烷氧化能力变化的一个主要因素,有机无机配合施用可以明显降低稻田土壤甲烷的大气释放潜能。但长期不同施肥处理下甲烷氧化菌活性的变化还有待于进一步研究。