Journal
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Volume 159, Issue 8-9, Pages 1974-1983Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.02.022
Keywords
Biodiversity loss; Biological invasions; Exotic species; Nature conservation; Ecosystem services
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With increasing urbanization the importance of cities for biodiversity conservation grows. This paper reviews the ways in which biodiversity is affected by urbanization and discusses the consequences of different conservation approaches. Cities can be richer in plant species, including in native species. than rural areas. Alien species can lead to both homogenization and differentiation among urban regions. Urban habitats can harbor self-sustaining populations of rare and endangered native species, but cannot replace the complete functionality of (semi-)natural remnants. While many conservation approaches tend to focus on such relict habitats and native species in urban settings, this paper argues for a paradigm shift towards considering the whole range of urban ecosystems. Although conservation attitudes may be challenged by the novelty of some urban ecosystems, which are often linked to high numbers of nonnative species, it is promising to consider their associated ecosystem services, social benefits, and possible contribution to biodiversity conservation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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