scholarly journals The Importance of Connected and Interspersed Urban Green and Blue Space for Biodiversity: A Case Study in Cork City, Ireland

Geographies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-237
Author(s):  
Luke Lambert ◽  
Fiona Cawkwell ◽  
Paul Holloway
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Landscape Metrics ◽  
Spatial Configuration ◽  
Landscape Configuration ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance ◽  
The City

Urban green and blue space (UGBS) is becoming increasingly important for supporting biodiversity, with the spatial configuration of these landscapes essential to supporting a range of taxa. The role of UGBS for supporting biodiversity is well established, but there remains a lack of consensus on the importance of the overall landscape configuration and the scale at which these configurations are analyzed. Moreover, statistical models are often compounded by coarse representations of UGBS that ignore ‘invisible’ spaces (i.e., gardens and brownfield sites). Using Sentinel-2 satellite data and a maximum likelihood classification, a comprehensive landcover map of Cork City, Ireland was produced with reliable accuracy. FRAGSTATS was then used to capture landscape metrics regarding the spatial configuration of the study area, at a city scale and at three spatial extents for each field site. Field surveys at 72 locations captured data on bird species richness and abundance, before generalized linear models (GLMs) were parameterized between biodiversity metrics and the landscape metrics at 50, 100, and 200 m scales. The UGBS classification revealed that two-thirds of the city is composed of green and blue space. The field surveys recorded 62 species in the city, while GLMs revealed that green space was a significant driver in increasing species richness and abundance, while blue space produced inversions in coefficient estimates, suggesting a more nuanced relationship. The edge effect phenomenon was suggested to play a key role in increasing bird diversity, with a diversified and varied urban landscape important. The impact of scale also affected how blue space was viewed as a connective network within the city, particularly in relation to biodiversity metrics. Overall, this study has demonstrated that UGBS is intrinsically linked to bird diversity. Moreover, 38% of the species recorded are listed as species of conservation concern in Ireland, highlighting how urban spaces can provide habitats for vulnerable species and should inform discussion on the role of geography within the implementation of conservation and planning initiatives for urban environs.

scholarly journals The Effect of Landscape on the Diversity in Urban Green Areas

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 613-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Kirichenko-Babko ◽  
Grzegorz Łagód ◽  
Dariusz Majerek ◽  
Małgorzata Franus ◽  
Roman Babko
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Ground Beetles ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Natural Landscape ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Areas ◽  
Green Areas ◽  
High Species Richness ◽  
The City

Abstract This article presented the results of a comparative analysis of carabid species compositions (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in urban green areas of the City of Lublin, Eastern Poland. In this study, the occurrence and abundance of ground beetles were analysed according to habitat preference and dispersal ability. A total of 65 carabid species were found in the three green areas. Obviously, the high species richness of ground beetles in the greenery of the Lublin is determined by the mostly undeveloped floodplain of the river Bystrzyca. The species richness of carabids and their relative abundance decrease in the assemblage of green areas under the effect of isolation of green patches and fragmentation of the semi-natural landscape elements in the urban environment. Generalists and open-habitat species significantly prevailed in all green areas. The prevailing of riparian and forest species at floodplain sites of the river Bystrzyca demonstrated the existence of a connection of the carabid assemblage with landscape of river valley. The Saski Park and gully “Rury” are more influenced by urbanization (fragmentation, isolation of green patches) and recreation that is consistent with the significant prevalence of open-habitats species in the carabid beetle assemblage.

scholarly journals The role of geography and host abundance in the distribution of parasitoids of an alien pest

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Nováková ◽  
Jaroslav Holuša ◽  
Jakub Horák
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Leaf Miner ◽  
Horse Chestnut ◽  
Host Abundance ◽  
Alien Pest ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Chestnut Leaf ◽  
The Relationship

Chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) are probably the most effective and abundant parasitoids of the horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella), an alien pest in Europe that lacks specialized enemies. We studied how the species richness and abundance of chalcids are influenced by altitude, direction of an alien spread and host abundance ofC. ohridella. We quantified the numbers and species richness of chalcid wasps and the numbers ofC. ohridellathat emerged from horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) leaf litter samples collected from 35 sites in the Czech Republic. Species richness of chalcids, which was considered an indicator of the possible adaptation of parasitoids to this alien host, was unrelated toC. ohridellaabundance, direction of spread, or altitude. Chalcid abundance, which was considered an indicator of parasitism of the alien host, was strongly and positively related toC. ohridellaabundance. Chalcid abundance was negatively related to direction of spread and positively related, although in a non-linear manner, to altitude. The relationship of chalcid abundance with direction of spread and altitude was weaker than that withC. ohridellaabundance. The results provide evidence that biological control of the alien pestC. ohridellaby natural enemies might develop in the future.

MODIS time series as a tool for monitoring fires and their effects on savanna bird diversity

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noam Levin ◽  
Sarah Legge ◽  
Bronwyn Price ◽  
Michiala Bowen ◽  
Emily Litvack ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Satellite Imagery ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Fire Dynamics ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
North West ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance

In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of fires on bird diversity in Australia’s tropical savannas. Bird surveys were conducted at 69 sites between 2005 and 2007 to estimate bird species richness and abundance within the Mornington Sanctuary, the Kimberley, north-west Australia. We used MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and Landsat satellite imagery to map fire scars and to quantify vegetation cover parameters, and QuickBird imagery to map the percentage tree cover. Bird species richness and abundance were higher in areas exhibiting minimum seasonal and interannual changes, e.g. in riparian areas, near water and where tree cover was high. We found a significant negative effect of fire on bird diversity following the extensive late dry-season fires of 2006. These findings support the view that intense and large fires are threatening biodiversity and reinforce the importance of reducing the occurrence of late dry-season fires, which are the most severe and extensive. MODIS satellite imagery was found to provide a cost-effective approach to monitoring savanna landscapes, assessing the state of vegetation and monitoring fire dynamics.

scholarly journals USE OF RESTORATION PLANTINGS TO ENHANCE BIRD SEED DISPERSAL AT THE ROADSIDE: FAILURES AND PROSPECTS

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rocío de TORRE ◽  
María Dolores JIMÉNEZ ◽  
Álvaro RAMÍREZ ◽  
Ignacio MOLA ◽  
Miguel A. CASADO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Frugivorous Birds ◽  
Bird Droppings ◽  
Bird Richness ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance

Plantings are commonly used in roadside reclamation for ornamental purposes and for increasing slope stability and road safety. However, the role of these plantings in restoring ecological processes, such as seed dispersal, has received little attention. We carried out a study to assess the potential role of plantings on roadside embankments to attract frugivorous birds and to enhance seed dispersal mediated by birds from the surrounding landscape. We examined: (1) bird species richness and abundance; (2) patterns of avian spatial distribution within embankments and (3) seed dispersal mediated by birds. Bird richness and abundance did not differ between embankments with and without plantings. However, birds were not distributed randomly within embankments, with levels of species richness and abundance for facultative frugivorous between 4.8–8 times higher in areas closer to plantings. An analysis of bird droppings showed that birds only dispersed seeds of the planted species since no seeds of woody plants from matrices were detected. These results suggest that plantings acted as selective bird attractors, providing food and perches for frugivorous species. Nevertheless, the scarcity of seed-dispersing birds in the surrounding agricultural landscape prevented plantings from enhancing seed dispersal and connectivity to adjacent habitat.

scholarly journals City Thresholds. The role of urban green infrastructures in Madrid

ZARCH ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 176-187
Author(s):  
Rocío Santo-Tomas Muro ◽  
Eva J. Rodríguez Romero
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Urban Fringe ◽  
Planning Tool ◽  
Municipal Planning ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Green Areas ◽  
Urban Green Infrastructure ◽  
The City

This paper presents an exploration of the thresholds of the city, embodying the concept of Urban Green Infrastructure. In particular, it is a journey through the urban fringe of Madrid, where these green infrastructures, due to their form and history, achieve the sense of urban threshold and act as identity generators of the city. We examine the concept of peri-urban landscape in relation to nowadays challenges of sustainable development, as well as the benefits of Urban Green Infrastructures in the contour of the city. We then take a brief tour though the peripheral landscape of the city of Madrid, where we analyse metropolitan parks and historical green areas that comply its proximity image. After identifying the green infrastructures acting as thresholds in the city of Madrid, we focus on the south-east diagonal of the capital in order to reaffirm its importance in the construction of the image and identity of the city. We defend the importance of Urban Green Infrastructure to and from the city, suggesting the necessity of a supra-municipal planning tool to take change of the peri-urban landscape, usually perceived as subsidiary, to deem the proximity visions of the city as relevant for its design.

Songbird communities in a pyrogenic habitat mosaic

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Stuart-Smith ◽  
Ian T. Adams ◽  
Karl W. Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Forest Landscape ◽  
Habitat Mosaic ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Continuous Forest ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance

Wildfires play a key role in shaping the boreal forest landscape, yet the response of wildlife to the patchy mosaics they create is poorly understood. We studied songbirds 5–6 years post-fire in a large burn (9600 ha) in the boreal mixed wood forest of north-eastern Alberta. In the spring of 1995 and 1996 we estimated abundance of songbirds in four areas, each with four replicate sites: unburned patches within the fire (Isolates); burned patches (Burns); patches that had been clear-cut prior to burning by wildfire (Cut-Burns); and the unburned, continuous forest adjacent to the burn (Peripherals). We also sampled shrub-based arthropods with sweep-nets at each site. To investigate the role of Isolates, we compared them to Peripherals and to Burns. We compared Cut-Burns to Burns to examine the effect of logging prior to burning. In general, Isolates supported higher numbers of species and individuals than Peripherals, mainly due to higher numbers of aerial-foraging birds. Isolates and Burns had similar species richness and abundance, but Burns supported more aerial foragers while Isolates had more foliage gleaners. Cut-Burns generally supported fewer individuals than Burns, in particular fewer shrub-nesters, aerial foragers, and neotropical migrants. More bird species reached their highest densities in Burns than in any other area. Songbird species richness and abundance were positively related to dry arthropod biomass, with Burns and Isolates having the highest arthropod biomass. These patterns indicated that, 5–6 years post-burn, the patchy mosaic created by this wildfire supported more species than the mature forest surrounding the fire. Clear-cut logging prior to burning resulted in a diminished songbird community compared to that found in burned stands.

Minimetrò in Perugia as leverage for urban regeneration

TERRITORIO ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 148-163
Author(s):  
Luca Fondacci
Keyword(s):  
Urban Regeneration ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Sustainable Mobility ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Peripheral Area ◽  
Alternative Means ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
The City ◽  
Historical Centre

In the 1970s, the fragile historical centre of the city of Perugia was a key area where the binomial of sustainable mobility and urban regeneration was developed and applied. At the turn of the xxi century, the low carbon automatic people-mover Minimetrò broadened that application from the city's historical centre to the outskirts, promoting the enhancement of several urban environments. This paper is the outcome of an investigation of original sources, field surveys and direct interviews, which addresses the Minimetrò as the backbone of a wide regeneration process which has had a considerable impact on the economic development of a peripheral area of the city which was previously devoid of any clear urban sense. The conclusion proposes some solutions to improve the nature of the Minimetrò as an experimental alternative means of transport.

PROBLEMS OF STRAY ANIMALS IN NOVOSIBIRSK

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-91
Author(s):  
Elena E. Rinchinova ◽  
Diyara A. Takumova ◽  
Irina I. Bochkareva
Keyword(s):  
Urban Population ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
Quantitative Indicators ◽  
The City

The article discusses main issues of organizing activities for the treatment of stray and street animals in the city of Novosibirsk. The important role of successful solving the problem of stray animals in ensuring environmental comfort and safety of the urban population is noted. Definitions of the concepts “stray animals” and “street animals” are given, the differences between them are emphasized. The main regulatory and legal documents governing the handling of stray and street animals are listed. The ways in which domestic animals get into a stray state are described briefly. The results of the collection and analysis of information on the activities of shelters for stray animals in Novosibirsk are described. The information on the quantitative indicators of the shelters are given. Conclusions on how to solve the problem of stray animals, relying on the latest regulations are drawn.

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