As a result of rapid urbanization, urban ecosystems are expanding at an unprecedented rate. According to the United Nations' World Urbanization Prospects 2018 revision, two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050. While this growth brings economic and social opportunities, it also poses significant challenges for urban green spaces and urban wildlife. Urbanization can lead to habitat fragmentation, increased wildlife mortality rates due to harmful emissions and collisions, and intensified competition for resources. Native trees and animals are often forced to compete with introduced species, putting additional pressure on already fragile urban ecosystems
Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Mortality
Habitat fragmentation of urban ecosystems, a direct result of urban sprawl, isolates wildlife populations, reducing their ability to migrate, find food, and reproduce. Fragmented habitats often lead to a decrease in genetic diversity within species, increasing the risk of extinction. Additionally, urban areas directly expose to pollution and other anthropogenic threats. For instance, collisions with vehicles are a significant cause of mortality for birds and small mammals, as estimated by Loss, Will, and Marra (2015), who found that up to 988 million birds die annually in the U.S. due to building collisions.
Invasive Species and Competition
Urban environments also foster the introduction and proliferation of non-native species, which can outcompete native flora and fauna. This phenomenon, often exacerbated by human activities, alters local ecosystems and can lead to the decline of native species. Introduced species become success in their new habitat, ultimately causing biodiversity loss, often by displacing native species and altering the structure of habitats.
Mitigation Strategies
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Urban planners and conservationists are increasingly advocating for the preservation of green spaces and the creation of wildlife corridors to reconnect fragmented habitats. Research works suggest that integrating native plants into urban landscaping can help support local biodiversity and reduce the impact of invasive species. Additionally, public awareness and involvement are crucial in promoting sustainable urban development that considers the needs of both human and non-human residents.
References
United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. (2018). World Urbanization Prospects: The 2018 Revision. Retrieved from https://population.un.org/wup/
Fahrig, L. (2003). Effects of Habitat Fragmentation on Biodiversity. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 34(1), 487-515. doi:10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.34.011802.132419
Loss, S. R., Will, T., & Marra, P. P. (2015). Direct mortality of birds from anthropogenic causes. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 46, 99-120. doi:10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-112414-054133
Simberloff, D. (2013). Invasive Species: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford University Press.
Goddard, M. A., Dougill, A. J., & Benton, T. G. (2010). Scaling up from gardens: biodiversity conservation in urban environments. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 25(2), 90-98. doi:10.1016/j.tree.2009.07.016
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