Biodiversity in cities. The effect of spatial scale and biodiversity data in heterogeneous landscapes.

Abstract

The assessment and monitoring of biodiversity in urban areas has been performed until now through dedicated on site studies and a small number of studies using online digital biodiversity databases. The question remains as to what extent an efficient and effective monitoring scheme could be implemented, one that not only facilitates comparisons across time and space, but also serves as an early change detection tool that complement local studies. Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) has been promoted for its central role, gathering and harmonizing biodiversity data worldwide, thereby facilitating the assessment and monitoring of biodiversity in multiple ecosystems. While GBIF data has been investigated for its potential at large scales (national, global) and in natural ecosystems, the question remains as to what extent, and in which context, is GBIF data applicable to urban biodiversity assessment and monitoring. In this study we have shown that the type of organisms surveyed -as well as its ecology and the spatial scale(s) of the assessments are critical to identify the effect of urban and green infrastructure in cities.