Urban Conservation: Toward Bird-Friendly cities in Latin America

Abstract

Urbanization is a major threat to biodiversity. Nevertheless, an important number of species has been recorded to live, and even thrive, within urban centers. Bird diversity has often been studied among greenspace networks, where most urban biodiversity is sheltered. Although a few studies have directly addressed urban bird conservation, they have shed important light on the directions and implications that evidence-based actions require for proper management and planning to occur in cities. Important international documents (e.g., Rio+20, FAO reports) have pinpointed the importance of developing greener cities in Latin America. Also, pioneer conservation ideas, such as Archipelago Preserves, have been conceived in Latin America as a way to plan conservation in advance where cities are predicted to grow. Birds are excellent bioindicators in urban areas for diverse reasons, as they quickly respond to habitat alterations and allow to monitor the ecological quality of urban areas. Nevertheless, for proper urban management and planning to occur in Latin America, a broader and robust evidence-based foundation is crucial, followed by interest and willingness from all the implied stakeholders for action to be made. Creating greener and biodiverse cities will not only benefit wildlife groups, including birds, but will certainly have a positive impact on people, making cities healthier and livable.