Search Results (77)

The ongoing decade of UN restoration matches with the European goal of bringing nature back into our lives, including in urban systems, and Nature Restoration Regulation. Within such a framework, this work is aimed at highlighting the ecological rationale and strategic value of an NRRP measure devoted to forest restoration in Italian Metropolitan Cities, and at assessing respective preliminary results. Therefore, the measure’s overarching goal (not to create urban parks or gardens, but activate forest recovery), geographic extent and scope (over 4000 ha and more than 4 million planted trees and shrubs across the country), plantation model (mandatory use of native species consistent with local potential vegetation, density of 1000 seedlings per ha, use of at least four tree and four shrub species in each project, with a minimum proportion of 70% for trees, certified provenance for reproductive material), and compulsory management activities (maintenance and replacement of any dead plants for at least five years), are herein shown and explained under an ecological perspective. Current implementation outcomes were thus assessed in terms of coherence and expected biodiversity benefits, especially with respect to ecological and biogeographic consistency of planted forests, representativity in relation to national and European plant diversity, biogeographic interest and conservation concern of adopted plants, and potential contribution to the EU Habitats Directive. Compliance with international strategic goals and normative rules, along with recognizable advantages of the measure and limitations to be solved, are finally discussed. In conclusion, the forestation model proposed for the Italian Metropolitan Cities proved to be fully applicable in its ecological rationale, with expected benefits in terms of biodiversity support plainly met, and even exceeded, at the current stage of implementation, especially in terms of the contribution to protected habitats. These promising preliminary results allow the model to be recognized at the international level as a good practice that may help achieve protection targets and sustainable development goals within and beyond urban systems. Full article

Urbanization’s environmental challenges have increased interest in urban biodiversity, traditionally focused on public green spaces, which are shrinking as urban growth escapes government control. This study examines the understudied role of private actors—specifically Concessions held by Catholic Religious Groups (CRGs)—in biodiversity conservation across three DRC cities (Bukavu, Kisangani, Lubumbashi). CRGs were selected due to Catholicism’s dominance and socio-economic influence in the DRC. A systematic flora inventory of 70 randomly sampled CRGs identified 220 species from 76 families and 185 genera. Although the CRG area was smaller in Lubumbashi (1.1 ha) than Bukavu (3.7 ha) and Kisangani (5.2 ha), the area did not correlate with species richness. Plant composition varied significantly within and between cities, dominated by phanerophytes and exotic species. These findings underscore the importance of including private stakeholders in urban biodiversity conservation. Full article

Botanical gardens serve as vital centers for ex situ conservation, maintaining diverse plant species under controlled conditions. Terrestrial orchids, despite their wide diversity and distribution, often occur in small and declining populations, making their conservation increasingly urgent. This study aimed to examine the potential for establishing the first specialized orchidarium in Serbia, focusing on the native orchid species of the Fruška Gora region. A SWOT analysis, combined with site assessment data, was employed to identify key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, informing the development of a functional zoning plan. The results indicate that such an orchidarium would offer a threefold benefit: strengthening ex situ conservation, advancing scientific research and environmental education, and promoting sustainable tourism. The proposed design consists of eight distinct zones, three of which reflect natural habitats of selected orchid species. The planned integration of a seed gene bank in the central zone, along with living plant collections and a nearby in vitro culture laboratory, establishes a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management of orchid genetic resources in the region, forming a foundation for future research and preservation. Full article

Botanical gardens have historically introduced alien species for agronomic, medicinal, and ornamental purposes, but they also contribute to plant invasions. The Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus (HBK) is a historic botanical garden established in 1866, as an acclimatisation arboretum for tropical plants, by the University of Cagliari. This study inventoried alien vascular plants in the HBK that showed some degree of spontaneity, analysing their status, origin, life form, introduction pathways, reproductive strategies, and presence in Sardinian habitats. A focus on invasive species and their historical introduction based on their first records on the island and in the HBK was made. Field surveys from 2015 to 2024 allowed us to identify 146 alien taxa, primarily neophytes (83%), 45% of which were naturalised and 12% were invasive. Ornamental plants contributed to 70% of introductions, while accidental taxa (weeds and hitchhikers, 61%) were the most invasive. Seed reproduction was the most common way of propagation (41%). About the diffusion in Sardinia, 25% of taxa had no records in nature outside the HBK, 39% were found only in anthropogenic habitats, and 36% in natural habitats. Among them, 8% were invasive in both the HBK and Sardinia, with wetlands being the most affected (5%). However, only 3% of common invasive species were first recorded in the HBK. The results highlight the role of the HBK in alien species spread and early detection, aiding in invasion management and biodiversity conservation in Sardinia. Full article

Turfgrass has evolved from a fundamental element of natural landscapes to a key component of ornamental, recreational, and ecological systems. This review examines its historical trajectory, from ancient civilizations and medieval monastic gardens to modern urban green spaces, highlighting cultural, technological, and environmental influences. The study integrates historical analysis with agronomic and ecological research to assess turfgrass’s role in soil conservation, carbon sequestration, water management, and biodiversity enhancement. The methodological approach combines a historical–literary review with an analysis of scientific advancements in turfgrass management, focusing on low-input species, precision irrigation, and climate-adaptive strategies. The findings indicate that while turfgrass contributes to urban resilience and ecosystem services, conventional high-maintenance practices pose sustainability challenges. The review underscores the need for multifunctional turfgrass systems that balance aesthetics with ecological benefits. A shift toward eco-friendly management practices will be essential for the long-term sustainability of turfgrass in modern landscapes. Full article

Climate change is reshaping urban environments, intensifying the need for resilient green space design and management that supports biodiversity, improves ecosystem services, and adapts to changing conditions. Understanding the trade-offs between native and non-native species selection is important for developing climate-resilient urban green spaces. This review examines public preferences for native versus non-native plant species and their implications for urban green space design and management. We critically analyse the ecosystem services and biodiversity benefits provided by both native and non-native plants in urban spaces, highlighting the complex trade-offs involved. Our findings indicate that while native plants can be underrepresented in urban landscapes, they offer significant ecological benefits including support for local wildlife and pollinators. Some studies have highlighted the climate resilience of native plants; however, they are likely to be more affected by climate change. Therefore, conservation strategies are needed, especially for endemic and threatened plant species. Several studies suggest a more flexible approach that integrates plant species from diverse climatic origins to improve resilience. We also explore conservation gardening (CG) as a socio-ecological strategy to integrate endangered native species into urban landscapes, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. This review stresses the importance of informed plant species selection and community involvement in creating climate-resilient urban green spaces. Full article

This study investigates the species diversity of the Convolvulaceae family in Udon Thani Province, Thailand, and was conducted from January to December 2022. A total of 52 species across fifteen genera were identified. Ipomoea was the most diverse genus in the region. The Ipomoea family was found in five ecological areas: deciduous dipterocarp forests, mixed deciduous forests, aquatic areas, open areas and roadsides, and cultivated areas like home gardens. Most species flower during the rainy season, especially from June to August, while some bloom in the winter, around January to March. Out of the total number of species, 29 were evaluated as rare and 23 as common. Meanwhile, 44 species were proposed for conservation as Not Evaluated and six species as Least Concern. Traditional uses of these species include food, animal fodder, horticultural cultivation, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants. The whole plant is the most used part followed by leaves, stems, roots or storage roots, and inflorescence, respectively. This research contributes valuable data on the biodiversity, conservation status, and cultural significance of Convolvulaceae species in Udon Thani Province, offering a foundation for future studies and potential sustainable resource management. Full article

Arequipa, situated in the arid Atacama Desert, is experiencing significant biodiversity loss due to unchecked urban growth. This study presents the design of a Botanical Garden to address this issue by serving as a conservation center for native flora. A baseline assessment was conducted to evaluate meteorological conditions, soil properties, and the quality of treated wastewater from the “La Escalerilla” plant. The analysis revealed a semi-arid climate with low precipitation and suitable soil conditions. A total of 685 plant species were identified and proposed for conservation within the garden, with a high proportion of endemic species. To protect the future plant species, a living fence composed of 700 individuals was installed, considering resilient species such as Molle serrano (Schinus molle), Cantuta (Cantua buxifolia), and Huaranguillo (Tephrosia cinerea), which were installed at an average height of 50 cm and have grown to an average of 80 cm after 8 months. This study demonstrates the feasibility of establishing a botanical garden in Arequipa’s arid environment and serves as a model for future botanical garden projects in arid regions at the national and regional levels, providing a foundation for natural landscapes in urban areas. Full article

Rangelands play a crucial socioeconomic and environmental role worldwide. In South America, desertification and overgrazing has led to their deterioration and declining productivity. Breeding programs that use native forage species of economic and ecological importance, such as Festuca pallescens (St. Yves) Parodi, may provide locally adapted germplasm that enhances productivity without threatening local biodiversity. These programs may even promote the conservation of native species. To this end, we characterized the phenotypic variation of nondestructive variables (growth and reproductive traits) related to forage and seed production during spring and early summer (growth and reproductive periods). Plants from ten populations were grown under common garden conditions in two environmental settings (sites) over two years. By early summer of the second year, most populations maintained a consistent relative performance with higher values for basal diameter, height and synflorescence production at site 2. This suggests more favorable environmental conditions for the species and highlights their potential for enhancing both seed and forage production. The growth and reproductive traits were probably largely influenced by micro-environmental cues (i.e., soil type and moisture), showing predominantly plastic patterns. The populations displaying phenotypic plasticity and above-average values for both traits were selected for further evaluation in breeding programs. Full article

Zoos and botanical gardens have a special role in the promotion, presentation and conservation of biodiversity in urbanised environments. Additionally, they provide special habitats for alien and invasive species. The formerly used methods of biodiversity assessments (e.g., light trapping, transect counts, etc.) are mostly labour-intensive and/or not efficient enough. In the Zoo of Debrecen, the efficacy and suitability of a synthetic (FLO) and a semisynthetic (SBL) lure for this purpose were proven. The qualitative and quantitative compositions of a moderately rich moth assemblage including 52 moth species were revealed, and the appearance and population dynamics of three invasive (Helicoverpa armigera, Autographa gamma and Cydalima pespectalis) and nine harmful pest species were also recorded. The results proved that the lures tested and traps used provide an easy-to-use, standardised and relatively cheap method for Zoos and botanical gardens to assess their biodiversity even in the case of limited resources. Full article

This study is focused on proposing a green infrastructure design that revalues the Ite Wetlands in Tacna. Currently, the Ite Wetlands are experiencing significant degradation mainly due to water pollution in the wetland and other associated environmental and social impacts. This situation is exacerbated by nearby mining activity, which includes the discharge of mining tailings that negatively affect water quality and the surrounding natural environment. An exhaustive diagnosis was conducted, considering multiple urban and environmental aspects, such as topography, road networks, climatic conditions, and biological diversity. The green infrastructure and revaluation project for the Ite Wetlands in Tacna has generated significant results, highlighted by the careful design of green corridors. The implementation of interpretive trails, rest areas, birdwatching viewpoints, and botanical gardens has transformed the wetlands into a multifunctional environment that promotes environmental conservation and biodiversity. This initiative has not only revitalized the area but strengthened the cultural and social identity of the region. The proposal provides a sustainable development model that can serve as inspiration for other natural areas facing degradation. Full article

Since 2005, The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU, Germany) has called upon people in Germany to count birds in their gardens during a defined time (Friday to Sunday) in May. This “Stunde der Gartenvögel” (hour of the garden birds) aims at obtaining a yearly overview of the birds in villages and towns. While this birdwatching action gives a broad overview due to the large number of gardens and parks involved (around 40,000 in the year 2024), several drawbacks must be mentioned that may impede the comparability of the counted bird numbers from one year to another. Here we give an overview of the chronological development of the overall numbers of species and specifically of the most frequent garden birds. We discuss correlations with external factors, such as weather and numbers of participants, and compare the results with ornithological studies in the same period as well as with the results of the yearly Birdrace in Germany, where ornithologically interested people count birds in a defined area on the full first Saturday in May. The main drawback of the citizen science project was found to be misidentifications of birds, especially evident in the case of the Tree Sparrow, combined with birds not being recorded because they could not be identified. The main advantage, on the other hand, is the large amount of data from the “Stunde der Gartenvögel”, which is important for measuring especially the trends of well-known, frequent species much better than the Birdrace. Ideally, all data taken in different ways should be combined, and misinterpretations should be reduced by showing male and female birds of species with strong gender dimorphism. Full article

Indonesia is known for its incredible diversity of insects. Being ectothermic, insects are influenced by environmental factors. The relationship between insect diversity and the environment can be understood using multivariate analysis. The Paseh District in Sumedang Regency has various land uses, including gardens, rice fields, and plantations. Changes in land use due to the construction of the Cisumdawu Toll Road can impact environmental factors, such as soil quality, microclimate, and water availability, which are critical for sustaining diverse insect communities. Similarly, changes in vegetation cover can alter temperature and humidity levels, impacting terrestrial insects adapted to specific climatic conditions. This study aims to gather information on the relationship between insect diversity and environmental factors in different land use types in the Paseh District. A preliminary survey was carried out to record land use types and determine sampling locations. An intensive survey was done to collect and identify flying insect samples, as well as to measure the environmental factors. The results were analyzed using the Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H’), Evenness Index (E’), Simpson’s Diversity Index (C), and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). The study found 115 species of flying insects, with mixed gardens having the highest diversity. The CCA results showed that temperature strongly and positively correlated with insect diversity across all land uses, while wind speed correlated positively with insect diversity in gardens. Altitude correlated negatively with insect diversity in mixed gardens but positively in rice fields. Humidity had a strong positive correlation with insect diversity in other land uses. This research is important for understanding how land use types and environmental factors influence flying insect diversity, which is crucial for conserving biodiversity and maintaining essential ecosystem services such as pollination and pest control. Its impact lies in providing scientific data to guide sustainable land management practices, support agricultural productivity, and inform policies for biodiversity conservation in the Paseh District and similar regions. Full article

Ex situ and in situ conservation are the two most important methods for preserving and sustaining natural species. However, studies that combine in situ and ex situ studies are rather scarce. Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, is a rich biodiversity hotspot with 2353 plant species, 398 of which are endemic. Due to the rapidly growing population, agricultural areas, hobby gardens, and the urban areas of the city center, many plant species, especially local endemics, are at a high risk of extinction in the immediate vicinity of the Ankara city center. Therefore, we aimed to establish a plant protection area with both ex situ and in situ conservation approaches jointly in the Kazan Soda license area in the Kahramankazan county of Ankara. In total, 185 plant taxa belonging to 43 families, 29 of which are local or regional endemic, or rare, have been protected in the area. Although most of the taxa in the protected area grow there naturally, reproductive organs or whole plants of 11 taxa have been translocated from the immediate surroundings and habitat. Detailed information about the flora of the protected area and the license area is given. We also work in the protected area to raise awareness about biodiversity and nature conservation for local people and students. Full article

Native garden plants significantly contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in urban environments. This study aimed to identify the physiochemical differences among native herbaceous plants subjected to drought or salinity stress and to assess their potential as garden plants adaptable to outdoor conditions and global climate change. Physiological parameters, such as chlorophyll (SD; −86.7% and −61.5%, SS: −85% and −76.5%) and carotenoid (SD; −84.5% and −58.3%, SS; −80.5% and −76%), decreased in Melica grandiflora and Carex forficula in severe drought or salinity treatment. In contrast, Carex boottiana maintained high water-use efficiency (SD: +97.5%, SS: +262.9%) under severe drought or salinity conditions, with no significant changes observed in chlorophyll (SD: +9.5%, SS: −3.7%) or carotenoid levels (SD: +35.2%, SS: +0.3%) compared to the WW or UT conditions. Biochemical analyses indicated that C. boottiana exhibited lower or slightly higher levels of malondialdehyde in SS (−22.5%) and reactive oxygen species such as O₂⁻ (SD: +9.9%; SS: −9.4%) than those observed in the other species under severe stress conditions. Principal component analysis revealed clear differences in tolerance levels among the native species. C. boottiana demonstrated high adaptability to both drought and salinity stress, indicating its potential as a sustainable and resilient garden material for urban landscapes facing severe climatic challenges. Full article