Diversity and distribution variation of urban spontaneous vegetation with distinct frequencies along river corridors in a fast-growing city. (1st May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Xiaopeng; Zhang, Sining; Huang, Rui; Feng, Li; Xu, Sihui; Liu, Baichuan
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 333(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05-01
• Subjects: Biodiversity conservation -- Habitat heterogeneity -- Landscape design and management -- Rare species -- Richness and diversity pattern -- Urban spontaneous vegetation; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117446
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: River corridors are vital to urban ecology, regulating climate and providing habitats for animals. Spontaneous plants naturally colonize various spaces therein, where they play important roles. Previous studies have explored many factors driving spontaneous plant diversity at the city scale and in specific habitats. However, we lack a holistic understanding of the diversity and distribution of variation of spontaneous vegetation that directly reflects the effects of urbanization. We conducted a field study of 1250 sample plots along river corridors in Chengdu, a fast-growing city in China, and the spontaneous plants in fifteen microhabitat types were surveyed. Diversity and distribution patterns were examined for species with distinct dispersal abilities. There was a far greater richness of occasional species compared to dominant and common species, but occasional species were markedly less abundant. Vacant lots and natural riverbanks harbored the most species, but revetment walls and lawns also supported a considerable number of species, especially in the city center. Species diversity among different urban areas was strongly related to microhabitat conditions. The proportions of dominant, common, and occasional species varied among communities. In communities on vacant lots of less urbanized areas, the richness of dominant species was greater, whereas in green spaces created by planted vegetation, occasional species were more diverse. Green space microenvironments are hospitable to some rare species. Urbanization and microhabitats have co-effects and thus ultimately determine diversity and distribution patterns. Such patterns, if linked to ecological and ornamental value, can provide a new perspective and nature-based solutions to urban rewilding and landscape design. Highlights: A total of 336 spontaneous plants were identified along city river corridor in Chengdu, China. Occasional species were far richer, although less abundant. Vacant lots in urban fringe harbored the most number of species. The city center supported considerable species in lawns and revetment walls. The diversity of different species assemblages largely varied at community level.