INaturalist insights illuminate COVID-19 effects on large mammals in urban centers. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vardi, Reut; Berger-Tal, Oded; Roll, Uri
• Is Part Of: Biological conservation. Volume 254(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Anthropause -- Culturomics -- Human-nature interactions -- iNaturalist -- Urban wildlife; Conservation of natural resources -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108953
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3207

Abstract

Abstract: Restricted human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic raised global attention to the presence of wildlife in cities. Here, we analyzed iNaturalist observations of prominent wildlife species around North-American urban centers, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. We suggest that the popular notion of 'wildlife reclaiming cities' may have been exaggerated. We found that while pumas ventured deeper into urban habitats during the COVID-19 pandemic, bears, bobcats, coyotes, and moose did not. Species differential behavioral responses may highlight their evolutionary history cohabiting human habitats. Nevertheless, our results highlight the importance of urban nature for people during the pandemic. Our insights could help manage urban wildlife, better plan greenspaces, and promote positive nature engagements. Highlights: Changes to human, not animal behavior caused greater wildlife sightings during 2020. Bears, bobcats, and coyotes did not explore more urban areas during the pandemic. Pumas explored more urbanized areas during 2020 compared to previous years. Understanding wildlife use of the urban habitat can foster better urban planning.