An experimental test of the impact of avian diversity on attentional benefits and enjoyment of people experiencing urban green‐space

Douglas, Joseph W. A.; Evans, Karl L.

doi:10.1002/pan3.10279

Cited by 15 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 87 publications

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“…Factors such as species diversity, community composition, and functional traits have been shown to influence human–bird interactions (e.g., Ainsworth et al, 2018; Clergeau et al, 2001; Clucas et al, 2011). Biodiversity and community composition—particularly native and specialist species—have been associated with positive attitudes (Dayer et al, 2016; Lerman & Warren, 2011; Warren et al, 2019) and greater enjoyment of green space (Douglas & Evans, 2021), which may, in turn, influence management practices. In one study, citizen scientists favored the removal of House Sparrow ( Passer domesticus) from nest boxes when they negatively perceived the species as outcompeting native songbirds for nesting sites (Larson et al, 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Species traits explain public perceptions of human–bird interactions

Andrade

Larson

Franklin

et al. 2022

Ecological Applications

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The impacts of urbanization on bird biodiversity depend on human–environment interactions that drive land management. Although a commonly studied group, less attention has been given to public perceptions of birds close to home, which can capture people's direct, everyday experiences with urban biodiversity. Here, we used ecological and social survey data collected in the metropolitan region of Phoenix, Arizona, USA, to determine how species traits are related to people's perceptions of local bird communities. We used a trait‐based approach to classify birds by attributes that may influence human–bird interactions, including color, size, foraging strata, diet, song, and cultural niche space based on popularity and geographic specificity. Our classification scheme using hierarchical clustering identified four trait categories, labeled as Metropolitan (gray, loud, seedeaters foraging low to ground), Familiar (yellow/brown generalist species commonly present in suburban areas), Distinctive (species with distinguishing appearance and song), and Hummingbird (hummingbird species, small and colorful). Strongly held beliefs about positive or negative traits were also more consistent than ambivalent ones. The belief that birds were colorful and unique to the regional desert environment was particularly important in fortifying perceptions. People largely perceived hummingbird species and birds with distinctive traits positively. Similarly, urban‐dwelling birds from the metropolitan trait group were related to negative perceptions, probably due to human–wildlife conflict. Differences arose across sociodemographics (including income, age, education, and Hispanic/Latinx identity), but explained a relatively low amount of variation in perceptions compared with the bird traits present in the neighborhood. Our results highlight how distinctive aesthetics, especially color and song, as well as traits related to foraging and diet drive perceptions. Increasing people's direct experiences with iconic species tied to the region and species with distinguishing attributes has the potential to improve public perceptions and strengthen support for broader conservation initiatives in and beyond urban ecosystems.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Species traits explain public perceptions of human–bird interactions

Andrade

Larson

Franklin

et al. 2022

Ecological Applications

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“…Forest landscape preferences [220][221][222], restorative environments [65,223,224] Views, spaces, and changes Distant, panoramic, and detail views; private nooks, group, and ceremonial spaces "An overlook or scenic view somewhere is nice, adding to the sensory experience" (2). "A clearing in the woods where people can sit on the ground for a tea ceremony is nice .…”

Section: Design and Constructionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Good water quality is, however, important for physical access, and direct contact, interaction with, and immersion in water can be a highly therapeutic experience [284][285][286]. Wildlife can have a positive effect on forest and landscape preference and restoration, and studies have looked directly at their presence in the landscape [220] and as an indirect component in the overall biodiversity of a site [66,223,287]. Of the former studies, the visual presence of animals and insects can be an important part of a nature experience, while, for birds, it is often their song that adds to the experience [288].…”

Section: Vegetation Water and Wildlifementioning

confidence: 99%

Key Characteristics of Forest Therapy Trails: A Guided, Integrative Approach

Gobster

Kruger

Schultz³

et al. 2023

Forests

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Forest therapy is an emerging holistic health practice that uses multisensory immersive engagements in forest settings to achieve health and wellbeing outcomes. Many forest therapy engagements take place via slow walks along a trail to optimally experience the array of sensory phenomena afforded along the route, yet surprisingly few forest therapy studies to date have investigated the characteristics of forest sites and trails that give rise to healthful experiences. In this research, we employ a hybrid approach to understand the conditions and features that contribute to a good forest therapy trail, using interviews with forest therapy guides to identify and highlight concepts for further refinement and structuring via a broad, integrative review of the relevant research and planning literature. Through this iterative approach, we identify and describe three site-related criteria (landscape character and quality, tranquility, and accessibility) and two trail-related criteria (design and construction and key features and qualities), each with a number of sub-criteria detailing specific conditions and considerations. This effort helps build a conceptual foundation and evidence base for assessment procedures that can be used to identify existing trails and design new ones that meet the needs of forest planners, managers, guides, and participants for the growing international practice of forest therapy.

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“…Beyond the multifold benefits of green spaces to humans and biodiversity, the effect of biodiversity levels on human health and well-being outcomes has also been explored. Although studies have found mixed results, there is some initial evidence of a positive relationship 19 – 21 . Nonetheless requirements for human use and wildlife support may differ and a green space might not fulfill the demands for both dimensions at the same time.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Urban park qualities driving visitors mental well-being and wildlife conservation in a Neotropical megacity

Felappi,

Sommer,

Falkenberg

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Green infrastructure has been widely recognized for the benefits to human health and biodiversity conservation. However, knowledge of the qualities and requirements of such spaces and structures for the effective delivery of the range of ecosystem services expected is still limited, as well as the identification of trade-offs between services. In this study, we apply the One Health approach in the context of green spaces to investigate how urban park characteristics affect human mental health and wildlife support outcomes and identify synergies and trade-offs between these dimensions. Here we show that perceived restorativeness of park users varies significantly across sites and is mainly affected by safety and naturalness perceptions. In turn, these perceptions are driven by objective indicators of quality, such as maintenance of facilities and vegetation structure, and subjective estimations of biodiversity levels. The presence of water bodies benefited both mental health and wildlife. However, high tree canopy coverage provided greater restoration potential whereas a certain level of habitat heterogeneity was important to support a wider range of bird species requirements. To reconcile human and wildlife needs in green spaces, cities should strategically implement a heterogeneous green infrastructure network that considers trade-offs and maximizes synergies between these dimensions.

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An experimental test of the impact of avian diversity on attentional benefits and enjoyment of people experiencing urban green‐space

Cited by 15 publications

References 87 publications

Species traits explain public perceptions of human–bird interactions

Species traits explain public perceptions of human–bird interactions

Key Characteristics of Forest Therapy Trails: A Guided, Integrative Approach

Urban park qualities driving visitors mental well-being and wildlife conservation in a Neotropical megacity

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