Assessing the Impact of Urban Green Spaces on Bird Biodiversity in City Centers

Thesis Abstract

Urbanization has profoundly transformed city centers worldwide, often leading to habitat loss and reduced biodiversity, particularly among avian populations. This study investigates the role of urban green spaces in mitigating biodiversity loss and supporting bird communities within densely built metropolitan areas. The primary aim is to assess how the size, vegetation diversity, and spatial distribution of green spaces influence bird species richness, abundance, and behavioral patterns. Specific objectives include (1) quantifying bird species diversity in different types of urban green spaces, (2) examining relationships between green space characteristics and bird community metrics, and (3) identifying key features that promote avian biodiversity in urban settings. Employing a comparative cross-sectional research design, the study targeted urban green spaces within the central districts of a major metropolitan area with high urban density. The population comprised all bird species observed within these green spaces, with a focus on resident and migratory species. A stratified random sampling approach selected 15 green spaces stratified by size small (<1 hectare), medium (1-5 hectares), and large (>5 hectares). In each site, point count surveys were conducted during peak bird activity hours (early morning and late afternoon) over a six-month period, resulting in a total of 90 sampling points. Data collection instruments included standardized bird observation forms, vegetation surveys, and high-resolution GIS mapping of green space boundaries. Data analysis involved species identification and abundance counts, followed by descriptive statistics to summarize biodiversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener and Simpson's Diversity. Multivariate analysis, specifically Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), was employed to explore correlations between green space features and bird community composition. Regression models assessed the influence of variables such as vegetation height, flowering plant diversity, and habitat connectivity on bird species richness and abundance. The theoretical underpinning draws upon the Habitat Selection Theory and the Ecosystem Services Framework to interpret how urban green spaces serve as critical habitats and ecological corridors for avian populations. The anticipated findings include that larger green spaces with diverse native vegetation and higher structural complexity support significantly greater bird species richness and abundance. Fragmentation and lack of native plant species are expected to correlate negatively with avian biodiversity. The results are expected to reveal specific landscape features that are most beneficial for conservation efforts within urban environments. These findings aim to fill existing gaps by providing empirical data on how urban green space design influences avian biodiversity at the city scale. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering evidence-based guidelines for urban planners and conservationists to optimize green space configurations that enhance bird habitat quality. It advances understanding of urban ecological dynamics, particularly in relation to avian species’ responses to habitat heterogeneity and landscape connectivity. The study concludes that strategic planning and maintenance of urban green spaces can significantly mitigate biodiversity losses associated with urbanization, emphasizing the importance of native vegetation and habitat corridors. Recommendations stemming from this research include integrating biodiversity considerations into urban green space design frameworks, promoting native plant species for habitat enhancement, and establishing ecological corridors to facilitate movement and gene flow among bird populations. Further studies are advised to investigate seasonal variations in bird diversity and the long-term impacts of green space management practices on urban avian communities. Overall, this study underscores the critical importance of thoughtfully designed and managed green spaces as vital conservation tools within the urban matrix, contributing to resilient and biodiverse city landscapes.