Biodiversity conservation in the era of biofuels: risks and opportunities

摘要: Growing demand for alternative energy sources has contributed to increased biofuel production, but the effects on biodiversity of land-use change crops remain unclear. Using a meta-analysis being used or considered in US, we find that vertebrate diversity and abundance are generally lower crop habitats relative non-crop these may replace. Diversity greater corn than pine poplar, birds conservation concern experience negative from species less concern. Yet conversion row-crop fields grasslands dedicated biofuels could increase local birds. To minimize impacts biodiversity, recommend management practices reduce chemical inputs, heterogeneity within fields, delay harvests until bird breeding ceased. We encourage research will move us toward sustainable economy, including use native plants, development robust environmental criteria evaluating crops, integrated cost–benefit analysis potential change.