scholarly journals Green roof and ground-level invertebrate communities are similar and are driven by building height and landscape context

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacinda R Dromgold ◽  
Caragh G Threlfall ◽  
Briony A Norton ◽  
Nicholas S G Williams
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Invertebrate Community ◽  
Invertebrate Communities ◽  
Surrounding Environment ◽  
Native Grassland ◽  
Family Level

Abstract Green roofs are increasingly promoted for urban biodiversity conservation, but the value of these novel habitats is uncertain. We aimed to test two hypotheses: (i) green roofs can support comparable invertebrate family and order richness, composition and abundances to ground-level habitats and (ii) green roofs planted with native species from local habitats will support a richer invertebrate community at family and order level than other green roofs. We sampled the invertebrate community on green roofs dominated by native grassland or introduced succulent species in Melbourne, Australia, and compared these to the invertebrate community in ground-level sites close by, and sites with similar vegetation types. The only significant differences between the invertebrate communities sampled on green roofs and ground-level habitats were total abundance and fly family richness, which were higher in ground-level habitats. Second hypothesis was not supported as invertebrate communities on green roofs supporting a local vegetation community and those planted with introduced Sedum and other succulents were not detectably different at family level. The per cent cover of green space surrounding each site was consistently important in predicting the richness and abundance of the invertebrate families we focussed on, while roof height, site age and size were influential for some taxa. Our results suggest that invertebrate communities of green roofs in Melbourne are driven largely by their surrounding environment and consequently the effectiveness of green roofs as invertebrate habitat is highly dependent on location and their horizontal and vertical connection to other habitats.

scholarly journals Relationship of Sphaeroma Quoianum to Sediment Characteristics and Invertebrate Community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan Brown ◽  
Jason K Keller ◽  
Christine R Whitcraft
Keyword(s):  
Salt Marsh ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Southern California ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Invertebrate Community ◽  
Wetland Functions ◽  
Invertebrate Communities ◽  
Native Communities ◽  
Dense Networks ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract Many important wetland functions are tied to sediment dynamics, which are largely governed by infaunal invertebrate communities. These communities are sensitive to changes in sediment structure and to colonization by non-native species. In a southern California salt marsh, the non-native Australian isopod Sphaeroma quoianum has created dense networks of burrows within the marsh banks. Since this isopod increases erosion in many areas and can change local invertebrate communities, its possible contribution to habitat loss in this already-scarce southern California ecosystem is an important question. This study connected S. quoianum burrows to increased proportions of crustaceans, decreased carbon content, and steep marsh bluffs. These results highlight the potential susceptibility of salt marsh habitat with steep edges to invasion by non-native species and demonstrate that such invasion can correlate to key changes in ecosystem function. These results also suggest that S. quoianum invasion of salt marsh habitats can alter native communities and ecosystem functions, thus incipient invasions should be of concern to managers and ecologists alike.

scholarly journals Architecture as Habitat: Enhancing Urban Ecosystem Services Using Building Envelopes

2021 ◽  
Vol 02 (04) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Maggie MacKinnon ◽  
◽  
Maibritt Pedersen Zari ◽  
Daniel K. Brown ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Urban Green Space ◽  
Urban Habitat ◽  
Human Species ◽  
Urban Green

The practice of reconciliation ecology in urban environments relies heavily on urban green space as the primary source of vegetated habitat in cities. However, most cities lack the quantity, connectivity, and accessibility of green space needed to provide essential ecosystem services for the health, well-being, and resilience of human and non-human species. In reaction to urban densification and the increasing frequency and severity of climate change impacts, this study argues that architecture could strategically provide vegetated habitats to supplement existing urban green space and provide refuges for non-human species during extreme disturbances. A spatial analysis was conducted to test the performance of the existing green space network against targets for human well-being and Indigenous avifauna habitat needs in a 1.93 km2 neighborhood in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, during normal conditions and flooding. The results showed an insufficient quantity and connectivity of green space during both normal conditions and flooding to meet the habitat needs of Indigenous avifauna. Though the per capita green space and accessibility targets for human well-being are met under normal conditions, there is insufficient green space to meet those targets during flooding. During normal conditions, 9% of the roofs in the neighborhood need to be converted to green roofs to achieve the targets for both human well-being and Indigenous avifauna. The amount increases to 17% if the targets are to be maintained during flooding. At least 3% of the roofs need to function as small and medium-sized habitat patches in key locations to increase the existing green space network's connectivity. The study concludes that though ground-level green space is limited, with regenerative architecture strategies and supporting governance policy, the surplus of existing roofs could be used to increase urban habitat provision, thereby enhancing the health and resilience of humans and Indigenous avifauna in cities.

scholarly journals The effect of urban green roof design on beetle biodiversity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sydney Gonsalves ◽  
Olyssa Starry ◽  
Alexander Szallies ◽  
Stephan Brenneisen
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity

Abstract The value of urban green spaces to biodiversity conservation depends on the design and management. The importance of habitat quality and complexity to species diversity has led to the suggestion that habitat design elements—varied substrate depth, greater plant diversity, logs or stones—would support invertebrate diversity on green roofs. To evaluate this possibility, we conducted pit-fall trap sampling on three green roofs of simple design (intended primarily for stormwater management), three habitat roofs, and five ground-level green spaces, in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Beetles (Coleoptera) were sampled as representatives of total invertebrate diversity. Diversity was compared using sample coverage and Hill numbers to account for differences in sample intensity and fundamental differences in species diversity. Both habitat roofs and ground sites consisted of just over 20% native species, while stormwater roofs had about 5% native species, all of which were considered pests. We collected a greater abundance of beetles on the ground compared to roof sites like others have shown. However, when sample completeness is taken into account, habitat roofs had greater Shannon diversity compared to both ground and stormwater roof sites. Habitat roofs had the fewest dominant species representing 5% or more of total abundance, but also the lowest percent of species represented by singletons (27%). These results indicate that green roofs can support different beetle communities compared to those present at ground-level urban green spaces; our results also support previous findings that biodiverse design can reliably increase green roof diversity compared to more simply designed roofs.

scholarly journals Riparian Vegetation Structure Influences Terrestrial Invertebrate Communities in an Agricultural Landscape

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
Cristina Popescu ◽  
Mihaela Oprina-Pavelescu ◽  
Valentin Dinu ◽  
Constantin Cazacu ◽  
Francis J. Burdon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Human Impacts ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Riparian Buffers ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Invertebrate Community ◽  
Invertebrate Communities ◽  
Terrestrial Invertebrate ◽  
Invertebrate Diversity

Stream and terrestrial ecosystems are intimately connected by riparian zones that support high biodiversity but are also vulnerable to human impacts. Landscape disturbances, overgrazing, and diffuse pollution of agrochemicals threaten riparian biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. We assessed how terrestrial invertebrate communities respond to changes in riparian vegetation in Romanian agricultural catchments, with a focus on the role of forested riparian buffers. Riparian invertebrates were sampled in 10 paired sites, with each pair consisting of an unbuffered upstream reach and a downstream reach buffered with woody riparian vegetation. Our results revealed distinct invertebrate community structures in the two site types. Out of 33 invertebrate families, 13 were unique to either forested (6) or unbuffered (7) sites. Thomisidae, Clubionidae, Tetragnathidae, Curculionidae, Culicidae, and Cicadidae were associated with forested buffers, while Lycosidae, Chrysomelidae, Staphylinidae, Coccinellidae, Tettigoniidae, Formicidae, and Eutichuridae were more abundant in unbuffered sites. Despite statistically equivocal results, invertebrate diversity was generally higher in forested riparian buffers. Local riparian attributes significantly influenced patterns in invertebrate community composition. Our findings highlight the importance of local woody riparian buffers in maintaining terrestrial invertebrate diversity and their potential contribution as a multifunctional management tool in agricultural landscapes.

scholarly journals Kajian Hutan Kota Malabar terhadap Kenyamanan Termal

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Eduardo Hilario Bado Towary ◽  
Roedy Sulistyono ◽  
Sama’ Iradat Tito ◽  
Muh. Agus Ferdian
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Thermal Condition ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Vegetation Analysis ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
Important Value Index ◽  
The City

<pre>Comfort is something that humans need without exception when in a Green Open Space (RTH). Thermal comfort is a thermal condition felt by humans that is influenced by the environment. The existence of green space such as the City Forest of Malabar needs to be measured about it which can define its feasibility. (1) To examine the effect of thermal comfort in the Malabar forest on the community. (2) Analyzing vegetation in the Malabar city forest related to comfort. The results obtained in this study are the Temperature humidity index (THI) of respondents in the Malabar city forest known to average values of 22.42. It can be categorized that the Malabar city forest has a comfortable condition because in the index range 21 to 24. The analysis of the vegetation analysis in the Malabar city forest is concluded for the predominant vegetation sapling level, ie the pole glodokan plant with an important value index of 6.69. Whereas the pole level that dominates is mahogany with an important value index of 6.66. As for the tree level, the dominant vegetation types are plants with an important value index of 127.91</pre>

The effect of increased ground-level habitat complexity on mouse population dynamics

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 565 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Arthur ◽  
R. P. Pech ◽  
A. Drew ◽  
E. Gifford ◽  
S. Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Habitat Complexity ◽  
Habitat Structure ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Mouse Population ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
The Impact

We investigated experimentally the influence of habitat structure on the population dynamics of house mice. Three habitat types were used. In one, dense stands of regenerating cypress pine were felled and left in situ to cover at least 40% of experimental plots, providing high complexity at ground level; in another, dense stands of regenerating pine were left intact, providing low complexity at ground level; in the third, open grassland adjacent to dense stands of regenerating pine also provided low complexity at ground level. Mouse populations occurred at higher densities in felled pine plots compared with both the standing pine and grassland plots, consistent with the hypothesis that the presence of increased habitat complexity at ground level reduced the impact of predation. Even though populations responded to the felled pine, they dropped to very low densities over winter, suggesting that the habitat was still marginal for the persistence of mice, probably due to a lack of food. The results are discussed with reference to their implications for the influence that habitat structure may have on the impact of introduced predators on native species.

Wet season hydrological performance of green roofs using native species under Mediterranean climate

2017 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 596-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Brandão ◽  
Maria do Rosário Cameira ◽  
Fernanda Valente ◽  
Ricardo Cruz de Carvalho ◽  
Teresa A. Paço
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Mediterranean Climate ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Wet Season

scholarly journals Green-Roof: The Role of Community in the Substitution of Green-Space toward Sustainable Development

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sri Yuliani ◽  
Gagoek Hardiman ◽  
Erni Setyowati
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Research Challenge

The research challenge in the problem of the sustainable development goals is to find solutions for development control through the application of green roofs in residential areas, which is the feasibility of the role of the community. This research was based on the discipline of architecture by considering the role of the community in managing architectural green-space substitution. The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of the role of the community for green roofs feasibility based on housing, conducted in some parts of Sumatra, Java, and East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire. Data were calculated based on percentages and analyzed using the chi-square method. The results indicated that the optimization of the community role was needed for the sustainability of the green-roof from all economic levels, both urban and rural. The aspect of public awareness and knowledge of the benefits of the green-roof is very high, but the object of the green-roof in Indonesia is still very limited because participation is still not optimal. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the green-roof application to the community by adapting local culture in sustainable green-roof technology innovation.

scholarly journals Birds foraging for fruits and insects in shrubby restinga vegetation, southeastern Brazil

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 21-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verônica Souza da Mota Gomes ◽  
Bette A. Loiselle ◽  
Maria Alice S. Alves
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Insectivorous Birds ◽  
Frugivorous Birds ◽  
Spatial Use ◽  
Conservation And Management

Understanding how birds use vegetation to obtain food resources has implications for habitat conservation and management. Restinga is a poorly known and threatened tropical habitat, associated to the Atlantic forest, that could benefit from this kind of information to know which plants can be used and dispersed by birds that can help on the maintenance of this habitat. Frugivorous and insectivorous birds are important components of tropical ecosystems, such as restinga. To provide more information regarding the ecology of restinga, we studied the feeding behavior and spatial use of this vegetation by birds at Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, southeastern Brazil. We found that feeding behavior was similar to that recorded for the same species in other vegetation types. In addition, spatial use of the restinga vegetation by the most abundant species did not overlap greatly, except for two insectivorous species that used different foraging maneuvers and two frugivorous birds that foraged in flocks. The two most abundant species were generalists in their diet and were capable of feeding at the ground level on sand substrate.

Habitat use by the jacky lizard Amphibolurus muricatus in a highly degraded urban area

2011 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley Burgin ◽  
Danny Wotherspoon ◽  
Dennis John Hitchen ◽  
Peter Ridgeway
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Urban Expansion ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Invasive Weeds ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Ecological Community ◽  
Amphibolurus Muricatus ◽  
Exotic Vegetation

AbstractOver time native vegetation remnants in urban areas are typically eroded in size and number due to pressures from urban expansion and consolidation. Such remnants, frequently neglected and invaded by weeds, may constitute the last remaining habitat for some species' populations in urban areas. In the restoration of remnants for biodiversity, weed removal is often a high priority but there is a dearth of information on the role that exotic vegetation plays as habitat for fauna such as small reptiles. We investigated the vegetation type preference of urban remnants at the edge of a Sydney golf course by Amphibolurus muricatus, the native jacky lizard. The three vegetation types present were Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (an Endangered Ecological Community) with sparse groundcover, dense stands of the introduced Eragrostis curvula African love grass, and open fairways of lawn: three structurally different habitats. Captured jacky lizards were spooled and their movements traced by following the thread left as they moved through their home range. Jacky lizards preferred areas that afford them most cover. While they foraged throughout the stands of love grass, they tended to avoid the edge of native vegetation remnants. They also basked on the lawn close to the vegetation where they had recently foraged, or traversed it to enter natural vegetation or grass. We concluded that introduced love grass offered additional habitat because of the relatively dense vegetation cover, and that areas should not be managed with the assumption that invasive weeds are detrimental to native species without appropriate assessment.

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