长江中游生态区湿地保护空缺分析及其保护网络构建

构建了综合反映长江中游生态区地形、植被与地表覆盖特征的GIS综合空间数据库,在对长江中游生态区核心湿地保护物种,即白鹤（Grusleucogeranus）、东方白鹳（Ciconiaboyciana）、小白额雁（Anser erythropus）、中华秋沙鸭（Mergus squamatus）分布范围和生境需求分析基础上,建立了反映物种分布与GIS数据库中生态地理因子关联的生境适宜性单元,从而确定了核心物种分布的潜在生境,对照现有保护区分布格局,找到了区域湿地生境保护的薄弱和空缺区域（Gaps）,评价了现有保护区系统对潜在生境保护的有效性。基于Gap分析结果和现有保护区分布格局,进一步考虑保护网络的整体性和连通性以及保护成本,构建了长江中游湿地保护区生物保护网络的合理格局。研究结果表明：长江中游生态区核心物种潜在生境涉及134个县（市）级单元,而目前长江中游湿地保护网络仅覆盖了23．49％的潜在生境,仍有大量潜在生境游离于现有保护区系统外。为完善长江中游生态区湿地保护网络,应在湖北（13县）、安徽（8县）和江西（1县）所属22个县域内建立新的湿地保护区或保护小区,并与现有湿地保护系统有机整合,最终才能形成较为完善的由45个县级单元构成的的长江中游生态区湿地生物保护网络合理格局,并保护80％以上核心物种的潜在生境。本研究同时也表明基于GIS生态地理空间数据库和生境适宜性单元概念进行大尺度生境分析具有一定可行性和应用价值。     

长江上游森林生态区生物多样性保护优先区确定--基于生态区保护方法

邀请110位在长江上游地区开展生物多样性研究与保护的专家,分4个阶段进行了参与式研讨,采用生态区保护方法确定了兽类、鸟类、两栖和爬行类、昆虫、真菌和维管植物等生物类群的指示物种和保护优先区,最后确定了长江上游森林生态区内16个生物多样性保护优先区和5个连接带。16个优先区中,7个具有最高优先性,即秦岭、大巴山、金佛山-梵净山-武陵源区、岷山、邛崃山-大相岭、贡嘎山、三江并流核心区;9个具有高优先性,即伏牛山、米仓山、若尔盖高原、凉山、攀西地区、中甸-木里地区、川西北高原、金沙江上游高山峡谷区、怒江—澜沧江高山峡谷区。目前这些优先区及连接带内保护区的分布很不平衡:某些优先区和连接带内保护区面积所占比例很小甚至没有保护区分布;某些优先区人为干扰比较强烈,生境破碎化比较严重。建议通过新建自然保护区和调整已有的保护区,填补保护空缺,完善自然保护区系统;结合国家重点生态建设工程和生物多样性保护行动,保护天然林,恢复退化植被,在优先区和连接带内限制人类经济活动,以确保优先区和连接带发挥应有的生态功能。     

Land-use trends in Endemic Bird Areas: global expansion of agriculture in areas of high conservation value

The impacts of humans on biodiversity tend to be exacerbated by the coincidence of human settlement with areas of high biological value, as demonstrated by regional, continental and global analyses. We present a global analysis, intersecting Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) with fine‐scale data on changes in agricultural land use for the past 300 years and for four scenarios projecting land use up to 2050. The proportion of land in agricultural use is currently greater in EBAs than in the rest of the world (42.0% vs. 37.0%, respectively), has been historically (in 1700: 9.1% vs. 5.7%, through to 1900: 43.4% vs. 32.1%) and looks set to remain so in the future (44.6–56.1% vs. 37.0–43.2%; depending on scenario). However, the future course of agricultural expansion is more scenario‐dependent in EBAs than in the rest of the world, indicating that development policies have considerable potential to either ease or exacerbate the disproportionate impact of agriculture on areas of highest biological value.     

Assessing conservation values: biodiversity and endemicity in tropical land use systems

Despite an increasing amount of data on the effects of tropical land use on continental forest fauna and flora, it is debatable whether the choice of the indicator variables allows for a proper evaluation of the role of modified habitats in mitigating the global biodiversity crisis. While many single-taxon studies have highlighted that species with narrow geographic ranges especially suffer from habitat modification, there is no multi-taxa study available which consistently focuses on geographic range composition of the studied indicator groups. We compiled geographic range data for 180 bird, 119 butterfly, 204 tree and 219 understorey plant species sampled along a gradient of habitat modification ranging from near-primary forest through young secondary forest and agroforestry systems to annual crops in the southwestern lowlands of Cameroon. We found very similar patterns of declining species richness with increasing habitat modification between taxon-specific groups of similar geographic range categories. At the 8 km(2) spatial level, estimated richness of endemic species declined in all groups by 21% (birds) to 91% (trees) from forests to annual crops, while estimated richness of widespread species increased by +101% (trees) to +275% (understorey plants), or remained stable (-2%, butterflies). Even traditional agroforestry systems lost estimated endemic species richness by -18% (birds) to -90% (understorey plants). Endemic species richness of one taxon explained between 37% and 57% of others (positive correlations) and taxon-specific richness in widespread species explained up to 76% of variation in richness of endemic species (negative correlations). The key implication of this study is that the range size aspect is fundamental in assessments of conservation value via species inventory data from modified habitats. The study also suggests that even ecologically friendly agricultural matrices may be of much lower value for tropical conservation than indicated by mere biodiversity value.     

Bird diversity in northern Myanmar and conservation implications

We conducted four bird biodiversity surveys in the Putao area of northern Myanmar from 2015 to 2017.Combined with anecdotal information collected between 2012 and 2015,we recorded 319 bird species,including two species (Arborophila mandellii and Lanius sphenocercus) previously unrecorded in Myanmar.Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae),babblers (Timaliidae),pigeons and doves (Columbidae),and pheasants and partridges (Phasianidae) were the most abundant groups of birds recorded.Species richness below 1 500 m a.s.l.was higher than species richness at higher elevations.Our results suggest that the current protected areas in this region should be expanded to lower elevations to cover critical conservation gaps.     

The potential role of large herbivores in nature conservation and extensive land use in Europe

The concept of ecosystem restoration is gaining momentum in western Europe. This is necessary because in most managed nature reserves one or more of the following processes, which are analogous to those that have led to the dramatic loss of biological diversity in Europe, are still operating: continuing nutrient output, continuing high level of disturbance and fixing the system in some successional stage. This is partly because most management activities have been derived from, or copy, former agricultural practices. The study of natural ecosystems has revealed the key role large herbivores have in maintaining structural diversity in the vegetation and so biological diversity. Because of this they have been used as tools in achieving a variety of conservation goals. Here, various effects large herbivores can have on plant species composition, structural diversity of the vegetation and fauna are briefly reviewed. Attention is given to pasture-woodlands in southern Europe, which often have a relatively high biological diversity and share some key features with natural ecosystems: very low nutrient input, extensive grazing with large herbivores and the presence of natural tree cover. In a number of European countries attempts are being made to restore normal functioning multi-(herbivore) species ecosystems.     

Legal instruments in private land conservation: the nature and role of conservation contracts and conservation covenants

Management of private land for ecological outcomes has emerged as an important facet of biodiversity management and ecological restoration in Australia. Common law conservation contracts and conservation covenants are important tools within this framework of private land conservation. They can provide legal protections to biodiversity and natural assets on private land, as well as legal frameworks, in the form of obligations, to restoration programs. They can provide distinct qualities of binding obligation: fixed term or enduring. Conservation contracts and covenants need to be recognized as possessing both transactional and relational qualities, and these qualities should be considered and reflected in the design of agreements and in practices of conservation management and agreement‐making. Two design questions are considered in this article. Conservation agreements need to contend with dynamism in ecological and social realities and this may be accommodated in mechanisms for adjustment of obligations between or within agreements. Dispute management is a second field of practice and drafting requiring attention. Constructing disputes provisions that are adapted and appropriate to long‐term conservation actions and restoration initiatives is reflective of good faith principles and can include scope for graduated, independent, corrective, and fair arrangements, informed as necessary by expert input.     

Gone with the forest: Assessing global woodpecker conservation from land use patterns

Aim

As a result of their ecological traits, woodpeckers (Picidae, Aves) are highly sensitive to forest cover change. We explored the current land cover in areas of high species richness of woodpeckers to determinate regions where urgent conservation actions are needed. In addition, we identified woodpecker species that are sensitive to forest loss and that have high levels of human habitat modification and low levels of protection (through protected areas) in their distribution ranges.

Location

Global.

Methods

We joined available range maps for all extant 254 woodpecker species with information of their conservation status and tolerances to human habitat modifications and generated a richness map of woodpecker species worldwide. Then, we associated this information (the richness pattern and individual species’ maps) with land cover and protected areas (PAs) maps.

Result

We found that the foremost woodpecker species richness hotspot is in Southeast Asia and is highly modified. At the second species richness hotspot in the eastern Andes, we observed a front of deforestation at its southern extreme and a greater deforested area in its northern extreme but most of its area remains with forest coverage. At the species level, 17 species that are sensitive to forest modification experience extensive deforestation and have low extents of PAs in their ranges.

Main conclusions

The most diverse woodpecker hotspots are mostly occupied by human‐modified landscapes, and a large portion of the species there avoids anthropogenic environments. The level of representation of woodpecker species in PAs is low as a global general pattern, although slightly better in Asia. Our global analysis of threats to woodpecker from land use patterns reiterates the urgent conservation needs for Southeast Asian forests. Finally, based on our results, we recommend a re‐evaluation for inclusion in the Red List of five woodpecker species.

     

Habitat associations of imperilled fishes after conservation intervention in the Cape Fold Ecoregion,South Africa

The aim of this study was to examine the habitat associations of a native cyprinid community of the recovering Rondegat River in the Cape Fold Ecoregion of South Africa as part of a long-term native fish abundance monitoring project. Relative abundance data were extracted from underwater video camera footage across the longitudinal gradient of the river in three sampling instances. Using multivariate methods the authors assessed community composition with respect to habitat, its overlap with a protected area and species-specific abiotic predictors of relative abundance. Distance from the uppermost site in the river was the most significant predictor of species abundance, indicating spatial segregation and varying overlap between species. The protected status of sites in the upper reaches, vegetated substrates and the size of individual sites were the most impactful on the relative abundance of the endangered fiery redfin Pseudobarbus phlegethon. The results of this study indicate that underwater video monitoring is an effective and low-cost approach that can inform conservation recommendations. Reducing agricultural runoff and sedimentation in the lower reaches may be useful further interventions to maintain key habitats of submerged vegetation.     

Threats and opportunities for freshwater conservation under future land use change scenarios in the United States

Freshwater ecosystems provide vital resources for humans and support high levels of biodiversity, yet are severely threatened throughout the world. The expansion of human land uses, such as urban and crop cover, typically degrades water quality and reduces freshwater biodiversity, thereby jeopardizing both biodiversity and ecosystem services. Identifying and mitigating future threats to freshwater ecosystems requires forecasting where land use changes are most likely. Our goal was to evaluate the potential consequences of future land use on freshwater ecosystems in the coterminous United States by comparing alternative scenarios of land use change (2001–2051) with current patterns of freshwater biodiversity and water quality risk. Using an econometric model, each of our land use scenarios projected greater changes in watersheds of the eastern half of the country, where freshwater ecosystems already experience higher stress from human activities. Future urban expansion emerged as a major threat in regions with high freshwater biodiversity (e.g., the Southeast) or severe water quality problems (e.g., the Midwest). Our scenarios reflecting environmentally oriented policies had some positive effects. Subsidizing afforestation for carbon sequestration reduced crop cover and increased natural vegetation in areas that are currently stressed by low water quality, while discouraging urban sprawl diminished urban expansion in areas of high biodiversity. On the other hand, we found that increases in crop commodity prices could lead to increased agricultural threats in areas of high freshwater biodiversity. Our analyses illustrate the potential for policy changes and market factors to influence future land use trends in certain regions of the country, with important consequences for freshwater ecosystems. Successful conservation of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services in the United States into the future will require attending to the potential threats and opportunities arising from policies and market changes affecting land use.     

土地利用变化对海南土壤水源涵养功能的影响

热带地区已有大量原始林转变为其他土地利用类型,影响了陆地生态系统的水源涵养功能.为了明确热带原始林转变为其他土地类型对土壤水源涵养功能的影响,在海南中部山区选择4种典型土地利用类型,包括林龄大于100年的原始林(VF)、10年生次生林(SF)、12年生槟榔林(AF)和35年生橡胶林(RF),评估土地利用变化对土壤持水性能和水源涵养功能指数(SWI)的影响.结果表明: 与原始林相比,表层土壤(0～10 cm)中,其他土地类型土壤持水性能指标均降低,12年槟榔林各土层指标均最低.土壤含水量和最大持水量与植被郁闭度、土壤有机质和土壤容重显著相关,表明郁闭度、土壤有机质和紧实度的改变是土壤持水性能变化的重要原因.与原始林相比,次生林、槟榔林和橡胶林土壤水源涵养功能分别减少27.7%、54.3%和11.5%,不同土层的差异各异,橡胶林仅表层土壤水源涵养功能显著降低.植被郁闭度、土壤有机质和土壤容重可解释土壤水源涵养功能变量的83.3%.土地利用转变显著改变了土壤持水性能和土壤水源涵养功能,相比12年槟榔林,35年橡胶林能更好地保持土壤水分,土地管理中增加土壤有机质和减少土壤紧实度可改善土壤持水性能及水源涵养功能.     

Bird conservation and the U.K. Biodiversity Action Plan

The Biodiversity Convention requires parties to prepare national plans with strategies for the conservation of biodiversity. The U.K. produced its Action Plan in January 1994, one of the first countries to do so. The document of nearly 200 pages sets out the rationale for conserving biodiversity and the U.K. scientific tradition which underpins our understanding of biodiversity and describes in very summary form the key characteristics of U.K. biodiversity and the resources we devote to sustaining it, both in situ and ex situ, as well as our contribution to assisting conservation outside the U.K. It goes on to consider the role of education and public information and the need to improve the coordination and accessibility of scientific data and monitoring. Finally, it sets out a range of targets and commitments including a proposal to set up machinery, involving non-governmental interests, to agree on specific targets for key species and habitats in 1995. The main emphasis of the Plan and the work ahead is to create a collaborative framework for the large but fragmented efforts by the public voluntary sectors to reverse recent losses of biodiversity. In many ways bird conservation and population monitoring provide a benchmark for other species work. Bird conservation will benefit from the increased integration of effort and scientific analysis which looks at the interaction of species, habitats and wider land use issues and the effect of sectoral policies such as agriculture, energy and transport.     

Bird conservation and biodiversity research in Mexico: status and priorities

Mexico has a megadiverse avifauna that includes many endemic elements, as well as rich sets of species ranging farther north or farther south in the Americas. This avifauna, nonetheless, has suffered considerable losses as a consequence of long‐term, intensive human activity across the landscape. We review what is known about the Mexican avifauna, specifically its diversity and endemism, and how that knowledge has and has not turned into effective conservation measures to assure the long‐term integrity of the avifauna.     

Towards sustainable land use: identifying and managing the conflicts between human activities and biodiversity conservation in Europe

Conflicts between biodiversity conservation and human activities are becoming increasingly apparent in all European landscapes. The intensification of agricultural and silvicultural practices, land abandonment and other land uses such as recreation and hunting are all potential threats to biodiversity that can lead to conflicts between stakeholder livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. To address the global decline in biodiversity there is, therefore, a need to identify the drivers responsible for conflicts between human activities and the conservation of European biodiversity and to promote the management of these conflicts. Here, the drivers of biodiversity conflicts are analysed in a European context for five habitat types: agricultural landscapes, forests, grasslands, uplands and freshwater habitats. A multi- disciplinary approach to conflict management is described, with active stakeholder involvement at every stage of conflict identification and management as well as a range of other approaches including stakeholder dialogue and education, consumer education, improvement of political and legislative frameworks, financial incentives, and planning infrastructure.     

Bird species of conservation concern along urban gradients in Italy

The worldwide increase of urbanization requires better knowledge of its effects on biodiversity. We investigated the distribution of 41 breeding bird species of conservation concern along an urban gradient (centre, inner periphery, outer periphery, sparsely built up area) in Italian towns. We used data on the presence of bird species of conservation concern in each square of the grid of 27 urban atlases to obtain the frequency of each species in each sector. The frequency of species of conservation concern—for both passerines and non passerines—decreased in more urbanised sectors. An increased degree of urbanization is particularly unfavourable to the following groups of species of conservation concern: raptors (except Falco tinnunculus); galliforms; granivorous, ground-nesting passerines; and passerines of bush-shrub habitats. Our findings did not change substantially if we limited our analysis to small, intermediate or large towns. Our results confirm that urban areas are avoided by the majority of specialists and rare species. However, the frequency of aerial feeders and Jynx torquilla, Phoenicurus phoenicurus, Monticola solitarius and Muscicapa striata did not decrease in more urbanised sectors. Since these species include some whose main habitats are dwindling, urban areas might be a refuge for them. Conservation efforts in towns should preserve the conditions (presence of mature trees, habitat heterogeneity, availability of insects, suitable nesting sites in buildings) favouring these species.     

Bird diversity and endemism along a land‐use gradient in Madagascar: The conservation value of vanilla agroforests

Land‐use change is the most important driver of biodiversity loss worldwide and particularly so in the tropics, where natural habitats are transformed into large‐scale monocultures or heterogeneous landscape mosaics of largely unknown conservation value. Using birds as an indicator taxon, we evaluated the conservation value of a landscape mosaic in northeastern Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot and the center of global vanilla production. We assessed bird species richness and composition by conducting point counts across seven prevalent land‐use types (forest‐ and fallow‐derived vanilla agroforests, woody and herbaceous fallow that are part of a shifting cultivation system, rice paddy, forest fragment and contiguous old‐growth forest). We find that old‐growth forest had the highest species richness, driven by a high share of endemics. Species richness and community composition in forest‐derived vanilla agroforest were similar to forest fragment, whereas fallow‐derived vanilla agroforest was most comparable to woody fallow. The open land‐use types herbaceous fallow and rice paddy had fewest species. Across forest fragments, vanilla agroforests, and woody fallows, endemic bird species richness was positively correlated to landscape‐scale forest cover. We conclude that both fallow‐ and forest‐derived vanilla agroforests play an important but contrasting role for bird conservation: Fallow‐derived agroforests are less valuable but take fallow land out of the shifting cultivation cycle, possibly preventing further degradation. Conversely, forest‐derived agroforests contribute to forest degradation but may avoid total loss of tree cover from forest fragments. Considering the land‐use history of agroforests may thus be a promising avenue for future research beyond the case of vanilla. Abstract in Malagasay is available with online material