Date of Graduation

Summer 8-18-2017

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Laura Seidman

Abstract

There is an under-recognized potential for cities to use urban green infrastructure to contribute to avian biodiversity conservation. At the global scale, climate change and growing urbanization are primary global drivers leading to decline and homogenization in world bird populations. Birds are fundamental and intricate species in ecosystems, and even in urban areas, act as indicator and regulator species contributing to healthy ecosystem function. While many cities have recognized the economic and social benefits associated with green spaces, such as the vast benefits ecosystem services provide to the urban dweller, the use of green spaces to concurrently contribute to avian conservation through habitat provisioning is currently deficient. This research provides a global comparative analysis to determine crucial variables in urban green spaces necessary to provide ecosystem services for the urban dweller while simultaneously supporting urban bird populations, particularly forest, grassland, and generalist bird species. It pushes for reform in existing management, norms, and principles that restrict green spaces' contribution towards avian conservation and acts as an ecological and conservation dialogue for policy makers, design-build and related professionals, and urban residents. The necessary abiotic, biotic, design, and management variables for urban forests and parks, residential gardens, and green roofs to support avian diversity are discussed, and management strategies and approaches are defined. Using these green spaces has the potential to create valuable avian habitat within our urban areas, which is increasingly important in light of growing urbanization and changing climatic conditions.

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