Biodiverse neighborhoods: an ex-situ conservation tool

Abstract

Urban forests are responsible for a lot of benefits, and can be used as a tool to ex-situ conservation of native species. Our study investigated a public urban forest aiming to provide subside to management projects in order to allow the accurate fulfillment of social, aesthetic and ecological functions displayed by trees. Our survey was conducted in 6 public squares and 5 gardens in the Jardins neighborhood. We classified the trees according to their phytogeographic origins and seed dispersal habit. The Shannon-Weaver (H’) index, Simpson’s dominance (D’) and Pielou’s equability (J) were determined. A total of 507 individuals were sampled, located in 12 botanical families and 29 species, and 13 of them were classified as native and 16 as exotic. The family with higher species richness and number of species was Fabaceae (36%). Regarding the seed dispersal syndrome, the most representative was zoochory (52%). The ecological index showed medium species diversity (H’=2.2284), high dominance (D’=0.7899) and medium number of individuals (J) 0.6552. Although the Jardins neighborhood was planned, the urban forest in this area still needs improvement; such as incentive measures that can promote biodiversity and the application of ex-situ conservation.

Using a Novel Green Index to Support Ecosystem Services in a Megacity

“…(iii) Interconnection of UGSs through ecological corridors-the benefits provided by UGSs go beyond the control of pollution and the enhancement of human well-being. When well-planned, these environments can be an important ecological tool, serving as connectors for fauna mobility, food sources, and shelter, enabling the gene flow and conservation of plant species [60]. Connectivity between UGSs plays an important role in ecological balance outcomes, and consequently the provision of ecosystem services that benefit everyone.…”