Routledge Handbook of Urban Biodiversity

“The earliest roots of urban ecology lie in the study of wild and domestic organisms in cities. Nilon and Aronson show the depth and rigor of this research tradition, illustrate its crucial application to conservation of global biodiversity, and point to the continued need and creative future for urban biodiversity studies.” Steward T.A. Pickett, Distinguished Senior Scientist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York , USA “This is a blockbuster book for the urban century. From the fundamentals, science and theory of urban biodiversity to practical management issues, Nilon and Aronson have produced a must-have that should be on the bookshelf of every urban professional.” Karen C. Seto , Frederick C. Hixon Professor of Geography & Urbanization Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA “Rapid urbanization at global scale exerts serious threats to urban biodiversity which is of great importance for conservation in terms of implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; Urban development can not be successful unless its biodiversity is sustainably utilized. The book offers readers opportunities to understand concepts and theory for urban biodiversity and learn best practices in using and conserving it.” Keping Ma , Vice Chair and Secretary General, Biodiversity Committee, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China “Old concepts of cities and nature being two separate worlds have been overturned. Studies of the close interplay of urban conditions and high biodiversity are yielding a new understanding of the structure of urban nature and its importance to the human experience. This book sets a new standard for explaining the ecological foundations of urban nature, the current state of knowledge, the role of human actions and management on city species, and a path forward for new research and new collaborations. Cities are expanding rapidly across the globe; this Handbook will be a guide to incorporating modern ecological perspectives to the design of healthier, more resilient urban landscapes and improving conservation of the rich urban biodiversity.” Steven N. Handel , Distinguished Professor of Ecology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey , USA