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Bonthoux S, Chollet S. Wilding cities for biodiversity and people: a transdisciplinary framework. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1458-1480. [PMID: 38514244 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Accelerating urbanisation and associated lifestyle changes result in loss of biodiversity and diminished wellbeing of people through fewer direct interactions and experiences with nature. In this review, we propose the notion of urban wilding (the promotion of autonomous ecological processes that are independent of historical land-use conditions, with minimal direct human maintenance and planting interventions) and investigate its propensity to improve biodiversity and people-nature connections in cities. Through a large interdisciplinary synthesis, we explore the ecological mechanisms through which urban wilding can promote biodiversity in cities, investigate the attitudes and relations of city dwellers towards urban wild spaces, and discuss the integration of urban wilding into the fabric of cities and its governance. We show that favouring assembly spontaneity by reducing planting interventions, and functional spontaneity by limiting maintenance practices, can promote plant diversity and provide ecological resources for numerous organisms at habitat and city scales. These processes could reverse biotic homogenisation, but further studies are needed to understand the effects of wilding on invasive species and their consequences. From a socio-ecological perspective, the attitudes of city dwellers towards spontaneous vegetation are modulated by successional stages, with grassland and woodland stages preferred, but dense shrubby vegetation stages disliked. Wild spaces can diversify physical interactions with nature, and enrich multi-sensory, affective and cognitive experiences of nature in cities. However, some aspects of wild spaces can cause anxiety, feeling unsafe, and the perception of abandonment. These negative attitudes could be mitigated by subtle design and maintenance interventions. While nature has long been thought of as ornamental and instrumental in cities, urban wilding could help to develop relational and intrinsic values of nature in the fabric of cities. Wildness and its singular aesthetics should be combined with cultural norms, resident uses and urban functions to plan and design urban spatial configurations promoting human-non-human cohabitation. For urban wilding to be socially just and adapted to the needs of residents, its implementation should be backed by inclusive governance opening up discussion forums to residents and urban workers. Scientists can support these changes by collaborating with urban actors to design and experiment with new wild spaces promoting biodiversity and wellbeing of people in cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Bonthoux
- Ecole de la Nature et du Paysage - INSA CVL, CNRS UMR 7324 CITERES, 3 rue de la Chocolaterie, CS, Blois, 23410 41034, France
- LTSER, Zone Atelier Loire, UMR 7324 - CITERES, BP 60449, 37204, TOURS, 03, France
| | - Simon Chollet
- Université de Rennes, CNRS UMR 6553 ECOBIO [Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution], Campus de Beaulieu - Bat 14A, 263 Av Gal Leclerc, Rennes, 35700, France
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Itescu Y, Jeschke JM. Assessing the conservation value of cemeteries to urban biota worldwide. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024:e14322. [PMID: 39031118 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Cemeteries are key urban green spaces with multifaceted societal and ecological importance. Their biodiversity is shaped by unique environmental and cultural factors. They can potentially protect rare and endangered species, yet their conservation value compared with other urban green spaces remains largely unexplored. We sought to fill this gap by systematically reviewing literature to investigate the conservation value of cemeteries relative to other urban green spaces (botanical gardens, institutional premises, natural remnants, and parks) by comparing species richness and proportions of native and unique species. We analyzed data from 70 papers covering 50 cities in 27 countries with linear and binomial mixed-effects models at both site and city level. Cemetery conservation value was similar to urban parks, except for the proportion of unique species, for which parks had significantly higher proportions (21.9% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001). Cemeteries hosted slightly higher proportions of native species at the city level than botanical gardens (99.7% vs. 99.6%, p < 0.001) and institutional green spaces (96.3% vs. 94.1%, p = 0.034) and proportions comparable to parks and natural remnants (p > 0.05). They also had similar or higher values than institutional premises in species richness and unique species proportions (p > 0.05) and a higher site-level proportion of native species (p < 0.001). In contrast, species richness (slopes = -0.11 and -0.25, respectively) and unique species proportions (4.4% and 6.9%, respectively, p < 0.001 for both) were lower in cemeteries than in remnants of natural areas and in botanical gardens. The conservation value of cemeteries and parks was similar for animals, but parks had a higher value for plants. Overall, cemeteries were generally at least as valuable as some other green spaces for urban biodiversity and mostly native biota. Their religious and cultural significance suggests they will remain intact in the long term; thus, it is essential to prioritize and further promote their biodiversity in conservation and sustainable urban design plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Itescu
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jonathan M Jeschke
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
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Klingemann H. Changes in the Perception of Cemeteries as Public Spaces - Swiss Cemetery Visitors From 2002 to 2021. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241263133. [PMID: 38901456 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241263133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Background: A process of "emptying" can be observed in Swiss cemeteries. Urn burials are increasingly preferred to traditional interments, requiring much less space. Consequently, cemeteries are gradually transforming into park-like areas, triggering debates about proactive ways to use them as public spaces, rather than mourning sites. Objectives and Method: The study presented here probes for changes in the public perception of Bern cemeteries during the last two decades. The long-term analysis is based on a secondary analysis of interviews with 383 cemetery visitors in 2002 and a representative survey among 519 inhabitants of the city of Bern. Results: Tolerance for alternative land use increased further: Motivations for cemetery visits have shifted with a decline from 80% who mentioned 'grave visit' to 63% in 2021; 'leisurely walk' increased from 63% to 83%. High satisfaction with what cemeteries have to offer is mirrored in high values for perceived restorativeness in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Klingemann
- Bern Academy of the Arts, Institute of Design Research (IDR), Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
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Ibáñez N, Gómez-Bellver C, Farelo P, Montserrat JM, Pyke S, Nualart N, López-Pujol J. Montjuïc Hill (Barcelona): A Hotspot for Plant Invasions in a Mediterranean City. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2713. [PMID: 37514329 PMCID: PMC10384852 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cities are often hotspots for biological invasions, showing much higher percentages of alien species than non-urbanized settings. The reasons are multiple and are mostly related to two main factors: their heterogeneous, highly disturbed habitats and their many gateways that allow alien species introduction (e.g., airports, roads, train stations, or gardens). In addition to being a sink of biological invasions, cities can also be a source of the spread of alien species into surrounding landscapes, which adds further complexity to this issue. Herein, we are presenting the results of a five-year survey of the alien flora of Montjuïc, the largest urban hill in Barcelona (Spain). In just about 3.4 km2, we recorded up to 247 alien plant taxa, a figure much higher than those of many other Mediterranean cities and which clearly points to the role of Montjuïc as a hotspot for alien plants. The comparison with the alien flora of its surrounding region (coastal Catalonia) suggests that the alien flora of Montjuïc would have become enriched through many immigration episodes from close geographic areas. The hill, however, would have also acted as a source of the spread of alien plants, and indeed, some species have not been detected yet beyond the confines of Montjuïc. This study aims to be a key tool to ensure early detection and also to develop appropriate management and/or eradication actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Ibáñez
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB), CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carlos Gómez-Bellver
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB), CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Paula Farelo
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB), CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Montserrat
- Barcelona Botanic Garden (JBB), Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Samuel Pyke
- Barcelona Botanic Garden (JBB), Museum of Natural Sciences of Barcelona, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Neus Nualart
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB), CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi López-Pujol
- Botanic Institute of Barcelona (IBB), CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona, 08038 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Escuela de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES), Samborondón 091650, Ecuador
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Sallay Á, Tar IG, Mikházi Z, Takács K, Furlan C, Krippner U. The Role of Urban Cemeteries in Ecosystem Services and Habitat Protection. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1269. [PMID: 36986957 PMCID: PMC10053448 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cemeteries, like urban public parks, are an important part of the urban ecosystem, providing semi-natural habitats for many plant and animal species as well as a wide range of ecosystem services: they improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island phenomenon and provide aesthetic and recreational value. This paper explores the role of the cemeteries in the green infrastructure network beyond their sacred and memorial role and their importance as a habitat for urban flora and fauna. In our study, we compared two large public cemeteries of Budapest (Nemzeti Sírkert/National Graveyard and Új Köztemető/New Public Cemetery) with the Zentralfriedhof Wien (Central Cemetery of Vienna), the latter of which has been forward-looking in terms of green infrastructure development and habitat creation in the past years. Our goal was to determine which maintenance technologies and green space development methods are most beneficial in terms of sustainable habitat creation and the use of appropriate plant species in public cemeteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Sallay
- Institute of Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Garden Art, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Imola Gecséné Tar
- Institute of Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Garden Art, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Mikházi
- Institute of Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Garden Art, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Katalin Takács
- Institute of Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning and Garden Art, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Cecilia Furlan
- Institut für Landschaftsarchitektur, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, 1180 Vienna, Austria; (C.F.)
| | - Ulrike Krippner
- Institut für Landschaftsarchitektur, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, 1180 Vienna, Austria; (C.F.)
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Skobel N, Moysiyenko I, Sudnik-Wójcikowska B, Dembicz I, Zachwatowicz M, Zakharova M, Marushchak O, Dzerkal V. Vascular plants of old cemeteries in the Lower Dnipro region (Southern Ukraine). Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e99004. [PMID: 38327329 PMCID: PMC10848810 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e99004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The dataset contains the records of vascular plant species occurrences and distribution in old cemeteries (OC) of the Lower Dnipro region (Southern Ukraine). The analysed cemeteries were located in different types of landscapes (agricultural, rural and urban) and represent various ways of using their area (currently used, closed, abandoned). The floristic list includes 440 species of vascular plants (437 in situ, 3 ex situ). The dataset demonstrates a sozological (Red-lists species) value of old cemeteries in Southern Ukraine. The cemeteries constitute refuges of native, rare and steppe flora and play a role of steppe habitat islands in a landscape almost completely transformed to arable land or urbanised. New information This is the first dataset which contains information about flora of old cemeteries in Lower Dnipro region (Southern Ukraine). The dataset comprises 2118 occurrences of vascular plants (440 species) recorded in the years 2008-2021 in 13 old cemeteries of the Lower Dnipro region. The dataset includes information about 85 occurrences of rare species (23 species in situ, 3 ex situ) and 652 occurrences of 117 steppe species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadiia Skobel
- Kherson State University, Faculty of Biology, Geography and Ecology, Department of Botany, Kherson, UkraineKherson State University, Faculty of Biology, Geography and Ecology, Department of BotanyKhersonUkraine
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology & Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Warsaw, PolandUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology & Biological and Chemical Research CentreWarsawPoland
| | - Ivan Moysiyenko
- Kherson State University, Faculty of Biology, Geography and Ecology, Department of Botany, Kherson, UkraineKherson State University, Faculty of Biology, Geography and Ecology, Department of BotanyKhersonUkraine
| | - Barbara Sudnik-Wójcikowska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology & Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Warsaw, PolandUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology & Biological and Chemical Research CentreWarsawPoland
| | - Iwona Dembicz
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology & Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Warsaw, PolandUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Biology & Biological and Chemical Research CentreWarsawPoland
| | - Maria Zachwatowicz
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, Warsaw, PolandUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Geography and Regional StudiesWarsawPoland
| | - Maryna Zakharova
- Kherson State University, Faculty of Biology, Geography and Ecology, Department of Botany, Kherson, UkraineKherson State University, Faculty of Biology, Geography and Ecology, Department of BotanyKhersonUkraine
| | - Oleksii Marushchak
- I. I. Schmalhauzen Institute of Zoology, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, UkraineI. I. Schmalhauzen Institute of Zoology, NAS of UkraineKyivUkraine
| | - Vikroria Dzerkal
- Nyzhnodniprovskyi National Nature Park, Kherson, UkraineNyzhnodniprovskyi National Nature ParkKhersonUkraine
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7
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Leveau LM, Bocelli ML, Quesada-Acuña SG, González-Lagos C, Gutiérrez Tapia P, Franzoi Dri G, Delgado-V. CA, Garitano-Zavala Á, Campos J, Benedetti Y, Ortega-Álvarez R, Contreras Rodríguez AI, Souza López D, Suertegaray Fontana C, da Silva TW, Zalewski Vargas SS, Barbosa Toledo MC, Sarquis JA, Giraudo A, Echevarria AL, Fanjul ME, Martínez MV, Haedo J, Cano Sanz LG, Peña Y, Fernandez V, Marinero V, Abilhoa V, Amorin R, Escobar Ibáñez JF, Juri MD, Camín S, Marone L, Piratelli AJ, Franchin AG, Crispim L, Morelli F. Bird diversity-environment relationships in urban parks and cemeteries of the Neotropics during breeding and non-breeding seasons. PeerJ 2022. [DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Urbanization will increase in the next decades, causing the loss of green areas and bird diversity within cities. There is a lack of studies at a continental scale analyzing the relationship between urban green areas, such as parks and cemeteries, and bird species richness in the Neotropical region. Bird diversity-environment relationships in urban parks and cemeteries may be influenced by latitudinal gradients or species-area relationships. However, the seasonal variation of species diversity- environment has not been analyzed at a continental scale in the Neotropics.
Methods
Bird surveys were conducted in 36 cemeteries and 37 parks within 18 Neotropical cities during non-breeding and breeding seasons. Bird diversity was assessed through Hill numbers, focusing on species richness, the effective number of species derived from Shannon index and the Simpson index. Environmental variables included latitude, altitude, and local scale variables such as area size, habitat diversity and pedestrian traffic.
Results
Species richness and Shannon diversity were higher during the breeding season, whereas Simpson diversity did not vary between seasons. During both seasons, species richness increased with area size, was negatively related to altitude, and was the highest at 20° latitude. Species richness was also positively related to habitat diversity, pedestrian traffic, and was highest in suburban areas during the non-breeding season. Shannon and Simpson diversity showed significant relationships with habitat diversity and area size during the breeding season. Bird diversity was similar between parks and cemeteries.
Discussion
Our results showed that urban parks and cemeteries have similar roles in conserving urban bird diversity in Neotropical cities. However, species diversity-environment relations at the continental scale varied between seasons, highlighting the importance of conducting annual studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - César González-Lagos
- Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rubén Ortega-Álvarez
- Investigadoras e Investigadores por México del CONACYT, Dirección Regional Occidente, México
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Josefina Haedo
- Instituto de Ecología Regional, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Luis Gonzalo Cano Sanz
- Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú
| | - Yuri Peña
- Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa, Perú
| | | | | | | | - Rafael Amorin
- Museu de História Natural Capão da Imbuia, Curitiba, Brazil
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Urban Cemeteries as Shared Habitats for People and Nature: Reasons for Visit, Comforting Experiences of Nature, and Preferences for Cultural and Natural Features. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11081237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cemeteries are globally culturally protected greenspaces in cities that meet different societal needs and often harbor high biodiversity. To harness the potential of cemeteries as urban green infrastructure, stakeholders need to understand why people visit cemeteries and their preferences. We conducted an online survey in Berlin, Germany (n = 627) to understand (i) the reasons for cemetery visits; (ii) preferences for cemetery features; (iii) the effect of a dead tree as a wilderness component on preferences for differently managed green areas (wild, meadows, lawns); (iv) preferences of nature elements as comforting experiences; and (v) how reasons for the visit and sociodemographic variables relate to respondents’ preferences. The major reasons to visit cemeteries were ‘enjoying nature’, ‘mourning’, and ‘historical interest’ and most preferred cemetery features were ‘wildlife‘, ‘solitude’, and ‘vegetation‘. Presenting a dead tree did not modulate preference ratings for green areas that were depicted on photographs. Comforting experiences with nature elements were high overall. The reasons to visit had besides socio-demographic variables predictive potential on pronounced preferences. The results underscore the importance of cemeteries as multidimensional places and indicate tolerance for the inclusion of dead trees as important wildlife habitat. Strategies to develop cemeteries as shared habitats for people and nature should also consider, besides socio-demographic background, the reasons for cemetery visits.
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9
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Fine-scale habitat selection of a small mammalian urban adapter: the West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00251-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AbstractUnderstanding patterns of habitat selection and factors affecting space use is fundamental in animal conservation. In urban landscapes, such knowledge can be used to advise householders on how best to manage their gardens for wildlife. In this study, we tracked 28 West European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), a species of conservation concern in the UK, in an area of high-density housing using radio and GPS tags to quantify patterns of habitat use and identify factors associated with the proportion of time spent in individual gardens. Both males and females exhibited a preference for residential gardens, but there were subtle differences between the sexes in relation to house type and front versus back gardens. Hedgehogs spent significantly more time in gardens where artificial food was provided, where a compost heap was present, if foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were infrequent visitors, if it rained overnight and as daylength increased (i.e., shorter nights); garden use was not significantly associated with variables potentially likely to reflect invertebrate prey abundance. These data suggest that the primary positive action that householders can undertake for urban hedgehogs is providing supplementary food. However, householders often feed hedgehogs after they know they are already visiting their garden. Consequently, the presence of artificial food may make it difficult to identify other important influences affecting garden use. Finally, we report that a GPS fix acquisition rate < 60% likely had no major effect on the results of our analyses, but should be a consideration in future studies using this technique on this species and in this habitat.
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Seitz B, Buchholz S, Kowarik I, Herrmann J, Neuerburg L, Wendler J, Winker L, Egerer M. Land sharing between cultivated and wild plants: urban gardens as hotspots for plant diversity in cities. Urban Ecosyst 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-021-01198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AbstractPlant communities in urban gardens consist of cultivated species, including ornamentals and food crops, and wild growing species. Yet it remains unclear what significance urban gardens have for the plant diversity in cities and how the diversity of cultivated and wild plants depends on the level of urbanization. We sampled plants growing within 18 community gardens in Berlin, Germany to investigate the species diversity of cultivated and wild plants. We tested species diversity in relation to local and landscape-scale imperviousness as a measure of urbanity, and we investigated the relationship between cultivated and wild plant species within the gardens. We found that numbers of wild and cultivated plant species in gardens are high – especially of wild plant species – independent of landscape-scale imperviousness. This suggests that all community gardens, regardless of their urban contexts, can be important habitats for plant diversity along with their role in urban food provision. However, the number of all species was negatively predicted by local garden scale imperviousness, suggesting an opportunity to reduce imperviousness and create more habitats for plants at the garden scale. Finally, we found a positive relationship between the number of cultivated and wild growing species, which emphasizes that community gardens present a unique urban ecosystem where land sharing between cultivated and wild flora can transpire. As the urban agriculture movement is flourishing worldwide with gardens continuously and spontaneously arising and dissipating due to urban densification, such botanical investigations can support the argument that gardens are places for the reconciliation of plant conservation and food production.
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Molnár V. A, Löki V, Verbeeck M, Süveges K. Orchids of Azerbaijani Cemeteries. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10122779. [PMID: 34961250 PMCID: PMC8703613 DOI: 10.3390/plants10122779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In order to explore their orchid flora, we performed surveys of 96 Azerbaijani burial places in 2018 and 2019. Altogether, 28 orchid taxa were found in 37 visited cemeteries. In the orchid diversity a remarkable pattern was observed: geographic latitude was significantly and positively related to the number of taxa and number of individuals. The most widespread and abundant orchids in Azerbaijani graveyards were Anacamptis pyramidalis and A. papilionacea (found in 23 and 8 cemeteries, respectively). Azerbaijani cemeteries can be important refuges for rare and threatened orchids, e.g., Himantoglossum formosum (three cemeteries), Ophrys sphegodes subsp. mammosa (eight), Orchis adenocheila (two), O. punctulata (three), O. stevenii (one) and Steveniella satyrioides (one). Epipactis turcica, detected in a single locality, was previously unknown to the flora of Azerbaijan. Additionally, we documented orchid tuber (salep) collection in two cemeteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Molnár V.
- Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Correspondence:
| | - Viktor Löki
- Wetland Ecology Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Bem tér 18/C, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Marc Verbeeck
- Arbeitskreis Heimische Orchideen Baden-Württemberg, D-69469 Weinheim, Belgium;
| | - Kristóf Süveges
- Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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12
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Miguel MA, Kim SH, Lee SS, Cho YI. Impact of Soil Microbes and Oxygen Availability on Bacterial Community Structure of Decomposing Poultry Carcasses. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2937. [PMID: 34679958 PMCID: PMC8532636 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of soil with an intact microbial community and oxygen availability on moisture content, soil pH, and bacterial communities during decomposition of poultry carcasses was investigated. Poultry carcasses were decomposed in soil with or without a microbial community, under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The samples collected in each microcosm burial set-up were analyzed by targeted 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and Amplicon sequence variants (ASV) method. Our results showed that moisture was high in the burial set-ups under anaerobic conditions and pH was high in the burial set-ups under aerobic conditions. Meanwhile, the Chao1 and Shannon index significantly differed between the different burial set-ups and across different time points. In addition, bacterial taxa composition during the early period of decomposition differed from that of the late period. A total of 23 phyla, 901 genera, and 1992 species were identified. Firmicutes was the most dominant phyla in all burial set-ups throughout the decomposition. At day 60, Pseudogracilibacillus was dominant in the burial set-ups under aerobic conditions, while Lentibacillus dominated in the burial set-ups under anaerobic conditions. This study demonstrated that the soil microbial community and availability of oxygen significantly affected the changes in moisture content, pH, and bacterial composition during the decomposition process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yong-Il Cho
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (M.A.M.); (S.-H.K.); (S.-S.L.)
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13
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Linking Conservation, Community Knowledge, and Adaptation to Extreme Climatic Events: A Case Study in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13116478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study is based on ethnographic research that analyzes how traditional knowledge and local beliefs on biodiversity conservation relates to the local ability to adapt and be resilient to climatic changes in two communities around Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique: Nhanfisse in the buffer zone and Muanandimae in the core area. A total of 78 semi-structured interviews with heads of households were conducted. We found that both communities carried out practices and held beliefs associated with conservation, such as protecting trees and animal species considered sacred or perceived as beneficial for human life in terms of water provision and agricultural production. In addition to traditional ceremonies that respond to extreme climatic events such as drought and flood, other adaptation strategies used by the communities include moving to neighboring areas in search of better living conditions and using forest products in times of scarcity. We discuss that the management of the park should be agreed on, in a shared way, between local communities and conservation agents to ensure that these areas continue to perform the ecological, subsistence, and spiritual functions required. Our research results contribute to a better understanding of local adaptation dynamics towards extreme climatic events and improvement of management strategies.
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Xu Y, Zhang K, Dou L, Yang N, Yang B, Wang B, Ran J. Redistribution of large and medium-sized mammals in a sacred natural site, western China. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Favero-Longo SE, Viles HA. A review of the nature, role and control of lithobionts on stone cultural heritage: weighing-up and managing biodeterioration and bioprotection. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:100. [PMID: 32607867 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-02878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lithobionts (rock-dwelling organisms) have been recognized as agents of aesthetic and physico-chemical deterioration of stonework. In consequence, their removal from cultural heritage stone surfaces (CHSS) is widely considered a necessary step in conservation interventions. On the other hand, lithobiontic communities, including microbial biofilms ('biological patinas'), can help integrate CHSS with their environmental setting and enhance biodiversity. Moreover, in some cases bioprotective effects have been reported and even interpreted as potential biotechnological solutions for conservation. This paper reviews the plethora of traditional and innovative methodologies to characterize lithobionts on CHSS in terms of biodiversity, interaction with the stone substrate and impacts on durability. In order to develop the best management and conservation strategies for CHSS, such diagnosis should be acquired on a case-by-case basis, as generalized approaches are unlikely to be suitable for all lithobionts, lithologies, environmental and cultural contexts or types of stonework. Strategies to control biodeteriogenic lithobionts on CHSS should similarly be based on experimental evaluation of their efficacy, including long-term monitoring of the effects on bioreceptivity, and of their environmental safety. This review examines what is known about the efficacy of control methods based on traditional-commercial biocides, as well as those based on innovative application of substances of plant and microbial origin, and physical techniques. A framework for providing a balanced scientific assessment of the role of lithobionts on CHSS and integrating this knowledge into management and conservation decision-making is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Enrico Favero-Longo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi, Università degli Studi di Torino, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Heather A Viles
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, UK
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Löki V, Schmotzer A, Takács A, Süveges K, Lovas‐Kiss Á, Lukács BA, Tökölyi J, Molnár V. A. The protected flora of long-established cemeteries in Hungary: Using historical maps in biodiversity conservation. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:7497-7508. [PMID: 32760544 PMCID: PMC7391536 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of anthropogenically influenced habitats in conserving elements of the original wildlife has increased worldwide simultaneously with the disappearance of natural sites. Burial places are able to conserve original elements of the wildlife, and this fact has been known for at least a century. To this day, little is known about long-time changes and the effect of long-time management methods in cemeteries on the flora they harbor. The utility of historical maps in research focused on natural values, as well as in answering questions related to conservation was recently demonstrated, but the use of digitized historical maps in biodiversity research of the Carpathian Basin is very limited. In the present paper, we aimed to predict the conservation potential of long-established and newly established cemeteries of Hungarian settlements with various population sizes based on the digitized maps of the 2nd Military Survey of the Austrian Empire (1819-1869), by categorizing cemeteries into 3 distinct (anthropogenic habitat, cemetery, or natural habitat) types. To build our models, we used records of the protected flora from Hungarian cemeteries, based on data of thematic botanical surveys of 991 cemeteries. Out of the surveyed cemeteries, 553 (56%) harbored protected plants, totaling 306.617 estimated individuals of 92 protected species, belonging to 28 plant families. These species represent 12% of the entire protected flora of Hungary. Hungarian cemeteries play a key role mainly in preserving steppe and dry grassland plant species. Long-established and large cemeteries harbor more protected plant species than small and newly established ones. Human population size of the settlements correlated negatively with the number of protected species and individuals. Moreover, woodland cover and proportion of grassland also significantly positively affected the number of protected plant species in cemeteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Löki
- Wetland Ecology Research GroupCentre for Ecological Research, DRIDebrecenHungary
| | | | - Attila Takács
- Department of BotanyUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
- MTA‐DE “Lendület” Evolutionary Phylogenomics Research GroupDebrecenHungary
| | | | - Ádám Lovas‐Kiss
- Wetland Ecology Research GroupCentre for Ecological Research, DRIDebrecenHungary
| | - Balázs András Lukács
- Wetland Ecology Research GroupCentre for Ecological Research, DRIDebrecenHungary
| | - Jácint Tökölyi
- MTA‐DE Behavioural Ecology Research GroupUniversity of DebrecenDebrecenHungary
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Planchuelo G, Kowarik I, von der Lippe M. Plant traits, biotopes and urbanization dynamics explain the survival of endangered urban plant populations. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Planchuelo
- Department of Ecology Ecosystem Science/Plant EcologyTechnische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Ingo Kowarik
- Department of Ecology Ecosystem Science/Plant EcologyTechnische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research Berlin Germany
| | - Moritz von der Lippe
- Department of Ecology Ecosystem Science/Plant EcologyTechnische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research Berlin Germany
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