The urgent need to address biodiversity loss should not overlook the rapidly expanding urban landscapes. Cities transform natural habitats into built environments, becoming a primary driver of biodiversity crisis. Amid this growth, urban areas harbor a unique set of species that reside within relict natural habitats or migrate from surrounding ecosystems. These areas are not merely human habitats but also essential refuges for wildlife contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, urban biodiversity underpins vital ecosystem services such as air purification, climate regulation, and habitat provision. In this dynamic context, it's paramount to delve into urban ecology to inform both conservation efforts and sustainable urban development.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the function and potential of urban green spaces as sanctuaries for conserving biodiversity. By identifying critical ecological roles played by urban ecosystems, this research endeavors to weave these insights into broader biodiversity conservation tactics. Objectives include assessing urban biodiversity’s conservational value, exploring innovative restoration methodologies, and fostering informed urban management practices. Particularly, enhancing ecological connectivity and promoting inclusive urban planning are key to bolstering the resilience and sustainability of urban ecosystems.

Our scope is centered on examining how urban green spaces can become keystones in preserving biodiversity amidst anthropogenic and ecological pressures. To gather further insights in urban biodiversity conservation and management, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

-Microorganisms, plant, and animal diversity in urban areas
-Innovative technologies and methodologies for biodiversity monitoring in urban environments
-Responses and resilience of biological communities to anthropogenic stressors (e.g., management, fragmentation, pollution, biological invasion, climate change)
-Ecosystem services provided by urban biodiversity (e.g., pollination, pest control, air purification)
-Biological invasions and countermeasures in urban ecosystems
-Assessment of the potential to enhance ecological functions, connectivity, and resilience in urban green spaces
-Case studies examining successful conservation and restoration initiatives in urban environments (e.g., nature-based solutions)
-Policy and governance, and their effectiveness, to support conservation and restoration in urban areas

We encourage a diverse array of article types, including original research, reviews, case studies, and policy guidelines, to enrich our understanding of urban biodiversity's role in sustainable development.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Biodiversity Conservation in Urban Ecosystems: Monitoring, Restoration and Sustainable Management