Hill, Matthew, Biggs, J., Thornhill, I., Briers, R.A., Gledhill, D.H., White, J.C., Wood, P.J. and Hassall, C. (2017) Urban Ponds as an Aquatic Biodiversity Resource in Modified Landscapes. Global Change Biology, 23 (3). pp. 986-999. ISSN Print 1354-1013 Online 1365-2486
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Abstract
Urbanization is a global process contributing to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Many studies have focused on the biological response of terrestrial taxa and habitats to urbanization. However, little is known regarding the consequences of urbanization on freshwater habitats, especially small lentic systems. In this study we examined aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity (family and species level) and variation in community composition between 240 urban and 782 non-urban ponds distributed across the UK. Contrary to predictions, urban ponds supported similar numbers of invertebrate species and families compared to non-urban ponds. Similar gamma diversity was found between the two groups at both family and species taxonomic levels. The biological communities of urban ponds were markedly different to those of non-urban ponds and the variability in urban pond community composition was greater than that in non-urban ponds, contrary to previous work showing homogenisation of communities in urban areas. Positive spatial autocorrelation was recorded for urban and non-urban ponds at 0-50 km (distance between pond study sites) and negative spatial autocorrelation was observed at 100-150 km, and was stronger in urban ponds in both cases. Ponds do not follow the same ecological patterns as terrestrial and lotic habitats (reduced taxonomic richness) in urban environments; in contrast they support high taxonomic richness and contribute significantly to regional faunal diversity. Individual cities are complex structural mosaics which evolve over long periods of time and are managed in diverse ways, promoting the development of a wide-range of environmental conditions and habitat niches in urban ponds which can promote greater heterogeneity between pond communities at larger scales. Ponds provide an opportunity for managers and environmental regulators to conserve and enhance freshwater biodiversity in urbanized landscapes whilst also facilitating key ecosystem services including storm water storage and water treatment.
Item Type: | Article |
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Additional Information: | This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Hill, M. J., Biggs, J., Thornhill, I., Briers, R. A., Gledhill, D. G., White, J. C., Wood, P. J. and Hassall, C. (2016), Urban ponds as an aquatic biodiversity resource in modified landscapes. Glob Change Biol. doi:10.1111/gcb.13401, which has been published in final form at 10.1111/gcb.13401. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. |
Uncontrolled Discrete Keywords: | aquatic, biodiversity, biotic homogenization, city, conservation, ecology, freshwater, invertebrate, urban |
Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography Q Science > QL Zoology |
Divisions: | College of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences > School of Science and the Environment |
Related URLs: | |
Depositing User: | Matthew Hill |
Date Deposited: | 02 Aug 2016 14:34 |
Last Modified: | 17 Jun 2020 17:12 |
URI: | https://eprints.worc.ac.uk/id/eprint/4728 |
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