Urban Biogeography

Abstract

Biogeography in the built environment evaluates the spatiotemporal intricacies of the nature-in-city realm. A historical review offers a backdrop to urban green space (UGS) preservation and provision. UGS typology includes natural enclaves, ruderal pockets, emulated nature, and artificial green sites. They furnish heterogeneous habitats with core and edge ecotones to accommodate diverse species assemblages and varied biomass structure. The urban flora is classified based on biogeographical provenance. Constraints due to harsh built-up environment and visitor disturbances leave imprints on urban ecosystems. Geometrical assessment provides hints to optimize UGS design for ecosystem services and human use. Ecological-naturalistic design and climax woodland ecosystem are advocated. Three-dimensional urban greening can extend UGS to green roofs and green walls to supplement ground-level natural areas. Surveys of social and economic functions and response to climate change add new dimensions to the inquiry to further justify UGS provision.