NRES 348 — Lec 12: Urban Ecology

What is urban ecology?

The study of ecological processes & wildlife in human-developed environments, where human activities interact with natural ecosystems.

What are the main drivers of urbanization?

Population growth, economic growth, land-use policies, infrastructure investments, topography, & climate.

What is the urban-rural gradient?

The transition from relatively natural environments to rural, exurban, suburban, & highly urbanized areas.

What are the 3 main urban zones?

• urban core = high human density, buildings, & little natural habitat

• Suburbia = more vegetation, open space, & opportunities for wildlife management

• Urban-rural interface = areas where careful development planning can preserve natural habitats.

What 3 resources do urban wildlife need?

Food, water, & cover. These resources can occur naturally or be provided by humans.

What are urban habitat islands?

Small habitat patches within cities, including parks, cemeteries, golf courses, ponds, college campuses, & utility corridors.

How does urbanization affect wildlife?

It causes habitat loss, fragmentation, changes in dispersal, & altered evolutionary pressures that favor species adapted to humans.

Why is the urban-rural interface important for conservation?

It offers opportunities to minimize impacts on wildlife through careful planning, habitat preservation, & selective development.

Why should conservation goals differ for migrating & breeding urban birds?

Migrating birds need suitable stopover habitats, while breeding birds need habitats that support nesting & reproduction. Management should consider both.

Why are urban birds important to study?

They help researchers understand rapid evolutionary changes, reveal differences in how species respond to urban environments, & connect people with wildlife.