Metrics matter: Multiple diversity metrics at different spatial scales are needed to understand species diversity in urban environments

Kathryn A. O'Shaughnessy*, Antony M. Knights, Stephen J. Hawkins, Mick E. Hanley, Paul Lunt, Richard C. Thompson, Louise B. Firth

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Worldwide, natural habitats are being replaced by artificial structures due to urbanisation. Planning of such modifications should strive for environmental net gain that benefits biodiversity and ecosystems. Alpha (α) and gamma (γ) diversity are often used to assess ‘impact’ but are insensitive metrics. We test several diversity measures across two spatial scales to compare species diversity in natural and artificial habitats. We show γ-diversity indicates equivalency in biodiversity between natural and artificial habitats, but natural habitats support greater taxon (α) and functional richness. Within-site β-diversity was also greater in natural habitats, but among-site β-diversity was greater in artificial habitats, contradicting the commonly held view that urban ecosystems are more biologically homogenous than natural ecosystems. This study suggests artificial habitats may in fact provide novel habitat for biodiversity, challenges the applicability of the urban homogenisation concept and highlights a significant limitation of using just α-diversity (i.e., multiple metrics are needed and recommended) for assessing environmental net gain and attaining biodiversity conservation goals.

Original languageEnglish
Article number164958
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume895
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2023

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution

Keywords

  • Alpha-diversity
  • Artificial structures
  • Beta-diversity
  • Coastal
  • Eco-engineering
  • Habitat fragmentation

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