Concluding remarks: Current knowledge and future directions

Abstract

In this concluding chapter, we underline the main conclusions of the reviewed topics regarding avian ecology in urban Latin America, namely: an updated literature review (Chap. 2); species richness and composition (Chap. 3); demography and population dynamics (Chap. 4); relationships with urban infrastructure (Chap. 5); behavior (Chap. 6); urban threats (Chap. 7); and conservation (Chap. 8). Afterward, we identify general knowledge gaps and future research directions, and conclude by highlighting some issues that require attention to enrich the succeeding study of bird ecology in urban Latin America. These issues include: (i) the consensus and use of standardized definitions for fundamental urban ecology concepts; (ii) considering broader temporal and spatial scale approaches; (iii) using updated analytical procedures; (iv) the need to strengthen our knowledge on urban bird distributions and natural history; and (v) taking a step forward in assessing the mechanistic processes behind the identified patterns. If we aim to create biodiverse, sustainable, and livable cities, we must reinforce the role of ecological knowledge in urban-related policies and strategies. Reinventing our cities will necessarily require willingness and proactive synergies among all the implied stakeholders, in which urban ecologists from all fields need to contribute with high-quality evidence-based information.