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.
Recommended Citation
Lau, Allen, "Rethinking Urban Green Infrastructure as a Means to Promote Avian Conservation" (2017). Master's Projects and Capstones. 569.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/569
Included in
Environmental Design Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Ornithology Commons, Sustainability Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons