136 Ecology and Applied Environmental Science
point, or even become positive for wildlife. The parameters of urban ecosystems (stable environment, type and density of vegetation, etc.) hinge on
how the city is built and functions. Engineers, urban planners and managers of the urban environment may draw useful lessons from the study of an
urban ecosystem, so as to create the conditions for the existence of suitable
ecological habitats within the city. A city that has been planned correctly
for people is usually more favourable for the development of wildlife.
6.8.3.2 Difficulties Involved in Creating
Urban Biotopes in Some Cities
Opportunities for creating urban habitats in cities do exist, although to a
limited extent. One important limiting factor for nature in the city is the
disturbance caused by people. In general the reaction of the inhabitants
is not always positive for the existence of wildlife in the city. A study in
urban parks showed that visitors are interested in clean air and greenery,
but not so much in the variety of vegetation or the presence of wild animals.
Most important is the insecurity that people feel in parks, particularly at
night. Many people complain that the density of vegetation, the lack of
electric lighting etc. make parks dangerous. There is therefore a tendency
to make green spaces more artificial and therefore less suitable as ecological
habitats. In addition, some people are prejudiced against wild animals and
are concerned with exaggerated or non-existent hazards. To be sure, real
dangers have often been observed from certain animals, such as wild dogs,
which attack pedestrians or motorbike riders. To deal with this, proper
organisation is required, which may include removal of the animals from
such areas. Ultimately, only a very few species, such as songbirds, have
gained general favour. Nature-loving city dwellers, who would like greenery more natural and wildlife closer to them, are in the minority. Urban
park security must be improved, a basic precondition for broader social
support for urban habitats.
At any rate, overall social and cultural development go hand in hand
with environmental friendly awareness, and in the future will probably
favour the creation of richer urban ecosystems. An urban environment
that is closer to a natural state is gradually becoming more acceptable and
desirable. Wildlife in the city helps restore people’s contact with nature.
The creation of appropriate urban habitats can attract acceptable species
and discourage undesirable ones. With the help of proper planning, cities
can offer better living conditions in the future for people, along with many
species of the flora and fauna.
point, or even become positive for wildlife. The parameters of urban ecosystems (stable environment, type and density of vegetation, etc.) hinge on
how the city is built and functions. Engineers, urban planners and managers of the urban environment may draw useful lessons from the study of an
urban ecosystem, so as to create the conditions for the existence of suitable
ecological habitats within the city. A city that has been planned correctly
for people is usually more favourable for the development of wildlife.
6.8.3.2 Difficulties Involved in Creating
Urban Biotopes in Some Cities
Opportunities for creating urban habitats in cities do exist, although to a
limited extent. One important limiting factor for nature in the city is the
disturbance caused by people. In general the reaction of the inhabitants
is not always positive for the existence of wildlife in the city. A study in
urban parks showed that visitors are interested in clean air and greenery,
but not so much in the variety of vegetation or the presence of wild animals.
Most important is the insecurity that people feel in parks, particularly at
night. Many people complain that the density of vegetation, the lack of
electric lighting etc. make parks dangerous. There is therefore a tendency
to make green spaces more artificial and therefore less suitable as ecological
habitats. In addition, some people are prejudiced against wild animals and
are concerned with exaggerated or non-existent hazards. To be sure, real
dangers have often been observed from certain animals, such as wild dogs,
which attack pedestrians or motorbike riders. To deal with this, proper
organisation is required, which may include removal of the animals from
such areas. Ultimately, only a very few species, such as songbirds, have
gained general favour. Nature-loving city dwellers, who would like greenery more natural and wildlife closer to them, are in the minority. Urban
park security must be improved, a basic precondition for broader social
support for urban habitats.
At any rate, overall social and cultural development go hand in hand
with environmental friendly awareness, and in the future will probably
favour the creation of richer urban ecosystems. An urban environment
that is closer to a natural state is gradually becoming more acceptable and
desirable. Wildlife in the city helps restore people’s contact with nature.
The creation of appropriate urban habitats can attract acceptable species
and discourage undesirable ones. With the help of proper planning, cities
can offer better living conditions in the future for people, along with many
species of the flora and fauna.