Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2010.07.001
Title (Primary) Testing taxonomic and landscape surrogates for biodiversity in an urban setting
Author Bräuniger, C.; Knapp, S.; Kühn, I. ORCID logo ; Klotz, S.
Source Titel Landscape and Urban Planning
Year 2010
Department BZF
Volume 97
Issue 4
Page From 283
Page To 295
Language englisch
Keywords Biodiversity surrogates; Landscape structure metrics; Protected areas; Species richness; Urban ecology; Urban planning
Abstract Cities often have higher species diversity than the surrounding landscape. This diversity is important for both nature conservation and urban planning. The recreation of residents and the protection of species and habitats are simultaneous targets of maintaining urban green spaces. Data about the distribution and richness of species and their habitats have been compiled frequently; however, it is difficult and costly to measure the complete biodiversity of a region, necessitating useful surrogates. We tested species and habitat data in 27 protected areas in a Central German city and asked (1) whether the diversity of selected taxa acts as a surrogate for the diversity of other taxa and total investigated diversity, and (2) whether landscape structure and human impact explain species richness. Landscape structure metrics were based on soil and habitat types; human influence was measured as the degree of hemeroby. We tested and accounted for sample bias prior to analyses. (1) Vascular plant species richness explained total richness and single taxon richness best. (2) The size of a protected area was the most important predictor of species richness. After correcting for the effect of size, shape complexity, isolation, and matrix properties remained significant. Accordingly, the type of data frequently used for urban planning - collected over several years, by various persons for various purposes - is suitable regarding systematic conservation planning for species richness. The surrogate taxa concept applies in urban areas but with restrictions. Additionally, species richness should be examined in the context of both the city and its surrounding countryside.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=9832
Bräuniger, C., Knapp, S., Kühn, I., Klotz, S. (2010):
Testing taxonomic and landscape surrogates for biodiversity in an urban setting
Landsc. Urban Plan. 97 (4), 283 - 295 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2010.07.001