Title
Chapter Title: Faunal Biodiversity at the Urban–Rural Interface: Current Knowledge, Research Priorities, and Planning Strategies
Book Title: Urban–Rural Interfaces: Linking People and Nature
Author(s)
Reed, S. E.;Kretser, H. E.;Glennon, M. J.;Pejchar, L.;Merenlender, A. M.
Published
2013
Abstract
Conversion of natural ecosystems to residential and urban development, agriculture, and other human land uses is a leading driver of global declines in biological diversity. We review the state of our knowledge regarding the effects of urbanization on faunal biodiversity, present two case studies that illustrate the variable response of native fauna to land development, and highlight key research needs and planning strategies for maintaining biodiversity along urban–rural interfaces. Changes to the physical environment, resource availability, and ecosystem processes associated with urbanization lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, declines in species richness, and changes in the composition of faunal communities. As a landscape urbanizes, the first species to disappear are native species that rely on natural resources and are sensitive to the presence of humans and introduced species. They are gradually replaced by common species that are well-adapted to intensively modified urban environments and dependent on human-subsidized resources in a process known as biotic homogenization. Case studies from California and New York illustrate the thresholds of distance and density at which fauna are influenced by development and reveal important differences in how development impacts individual species and groups of species. Future research should address several gaps in our knowledge about the effects of urbanization on faunal communities. Nearly one-half (46%) of published studies have been conducted on the response of birds to urban development, and many (29%) include mammals, but few studies have been conducted on reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and aquatic species. Future research should also investigate land use dynamics, mechanisms of change in species communities, and the importance of human socioeconomic and cultural characteristics. With thoughtful input from scientists, incorporating conservation objectives into land use policy and development practices is a tremendous opportunity to increase positive interactions between human and natural communities and enhance the conservation of faunal biodiversity.

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PUB14585