MEVE 016: Unit 06 – Urban Biodiversity

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 UNIT 6: URBAN BIODIVERSITY

6.0 Introduction

Urban areas are often seen as centers of concrete, steel, and high human activity, yet they also harbor a significant amount of biodiversity. Urban biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of living organisms within urban environments—plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems they form.

As cities expand, biodiversity is impacted by changes in land use, pollution, and human intervention. However, cities can also be places of conservation opportunity, especially through parks, wetlands, urban forests, gardens, and eco-sensitive planning.

6.1 Objectives

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

  • Understand the concept and components of urban biodiversity.
  • Identify patterns and trends in plant and animal biodiversity in cities.
  • Explain the significance and benefits of urban biodiversity.
  • Recognize threats to biodiversity in urban settings.
  • Learn about various protection and conservation strategies.
  • Understand the role of biodiversity parks and registers in urban ecosystems.

6.2 Concept and Definition

Urban biodiversity includes all forms of life—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms—found in cities and towns. It can be categorized as:

  • Floral biodiversity: Trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses in gardens, roadside avenues, and natural patches.
  • Faunal biodiversity: Birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles in built environments, water bodies, and green spaces.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) encourages the inclusion of urban biodiversity in sustainable city planning.

6.3 Patterns and Trends

Urban biodiversity is shaped by various factors including geography, climate, human activity, and urban planning.

6.3.1 Plant (Floral) Species Richness in Urban Landscapes

  • Cities often have higher plant diversity than surrounding rural areas due to deliberate planting of native and exotic species.
  • Common urban tree species include neem, peepal, gulmohar, banyan, jacaranda, and ashoka.
  • Gardens, parks, and institutional campuses serve as pockets of botanical diversity.

6.3.2 Animal (Faunal) Species Richness in Urban Landscapes

  • Urban wildlife includes crows, pigeons, sparrows, squirrels, dogs, cats, butterflies, frogs, snakes, and monkeys.
  • Cities near water bodies may have wetland birds, fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects.
  • Nocturnal species and adaptable animals thrive in fragmented habitats.

6.4 Overview and Significance

Urban biodiversity provides numerous ecological, social, economic, and cultural benefits:

  • Ecosystem Services: Air purification, carbon sequestration, temperature regulation, flood control, and soil conservation.
  • Mental and Physical Health: Green spaces promote physical activity and mental well-being.
  • Pollination: Birds, bees, and butterflies help in pollination of plants.
  • Cultural and Educational Value: Urban green areas serve as learning spaces and sites of cultural identity.
  • Climate Resilience: Biodiverse urban areas help buffer the effects of climate change like heatwaves and floods.

6.5 Threats and Conservation Issues

Despite its value, urban biodiversity faces numerous threats:

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

  • Expansion of buildings and roads replaces green and natural areas.

2. Pollution

  • Air, water, soil, noise, and light pollution negatively impact sensitive species.

3. Invasive Species

  • Non-native plants and animals introduced in cities often displace native ones.

4. Overexploitation and Human-Wildlife Conflict

  • Unregulated use of natural resources and animal encroachments can cause conflict.

5. Climate Change

  • Altered rainfall and temperature patterns can disrupt urban ecosystems.

6.6 Protection Measures

Conservation of urban biodiversity can be achieved through strategic planning, regulation, and community involvement:

1. Green Urban Planning

  • Designing cities with eco-sensitive zones, green roofs, rain gardens, and vertical gardens.

2. Urban Forests and Tree Cover

  • Planting native species and maintaining urban forests to support diverse life.

3. Wetland Conservation

  • Preserving and restoring ponds, lakes, and riverbanks within urban spaces.

4. Pollution Control

  • Implementing strict emission standards and noise reduction strategies.

5. Citizen Involvement

  • Participatory activities like tree planting, birdwatching, and neighborhood composting.

6. Policies and Guidelines

  • Implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, Eco-sensitive zone notifications, and State Biodiversity Boards’ guidelines.

6.7 Biodiversity Park

Biodiversity Parks are dedicated green spaces within cities aimed at:

  • Conserving local plant and animal species.
  • Educating the public about biodiversity.
  • Serving as research and recreation hubs.

Examples in India:

  • Aravalli Biodiversity Park (Delhi)
  • Yamuna Biodiversity Park (Delhi)
  • Pune Biodiversity Park

These parks mimic natural ecosystems and serve as refuges for native flora and fauna.

6.8 Biodiversity Register

A People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) is a community-created document that records:

  • Local biodiversity (plants, animals, microorganisms).
  • Traditional knowledge and uses of biological resources.
  • Practices related to conservation and sustainable use.

PBRs are supported by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and implemented by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level.

They promote community participation, conservation awareness, and sustainable use of resources in both rural and urban settings.

6.9 Let Us Sum Up

Urban biodiversity is a vital component of sustainable and resilient cities. Despite increasing urbanization, cities can still support rich ecosystems if planned wisely.

Protecting biodiversity in urban areas not only conserves nature but also ensures healthier, more livable cities for future generations. Community engagement, eco-sensitive planning, and biodiversity documentation tools like PBRs and biodiversity parks play a key role in this process.

6.10 Key Words

  • Urban Biodiversity: Variety of life forms in urban ecosystems.
  • Species Richness: Number of different species in a given area.
  • Ecosystem Services: Benefits provided by ecosystems like clean air, water, and pollination.
  • Habitat Fragmentation: Breaking of ecosystems into smaller, disconnected areas.
  • People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR): Community-led documentation of local biological diversity.
  • Biodiversity Park: Protected green space to conserve urban biodiversity.

 

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