Urban Ecosystems: Understanding the Human Environment

"Cities are now where most people live and yet, paradoxically, the study of urban ecosystems has taken off only in the last few decades. Urban ecology demands a change from the old idea that people live in cities and nature exists elsewhere, and has to tackle the coupled human and environmental systems that make up urban areas. This book provides an up-to-date and highly readable account of what we know about urban ecosystems and how that can be applied in planning and management. Urban areas are probably among the most dynamic and rapidly changing ecosystems on the planet that present huge challenges in terms of understanding and directing their development in ways that are beneficial for both humans and other species. They also present huge opportunities for effective design and restoration. The authors focus on these challenges and opportunities, drawing from a rich array of examples from around the world. This is a timely and important book relevant to anyone concerned with the primary human habitat." – Professor Richard J. Hobbs, Australian Laureate Fellow, The University of Western Australia "Urban ecology is a young field that integrates theory and knowledge from a range of disciplines including the biological, physical, and social sciences. Francis and Chadwick offer the most conceptually coherent overview of the key aspects of urban ecosystems and their ecology to date. Unlike the other texts on the topic, this is not the perspectives of a collection of individuals but a compelling work from two experts in the field who provide an integrated foundation for further exploration. This book will be a valuable classroom reference and will appeal to students, scientists from other disciplines wishing an approachable entry into this field, and planners." – Dr Glenn Guntenspergen, Senior Research Associate at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Editor in Chief for the journal Urban Ecosystems "Although the modern field of urban ecology is relatively new, it is growing rapidly, and this well organized, clearly written, and globally relevant text is a very welcome introduction to the discipline. It covers the fundamental principles, but also provides many practical examples of urban processes, environments, adaptations, and ecosystem types. It even presents important connections with urban restoration and urban design." – Dr Steward Pickett, Distinguished Senior Scientist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, New York, USA "The authors of this book have done an excellent job in bringing together in clear and purposeful text and well-chosen graphics the varied strands of urban ecology as a discipline. Like all good text books it is also an excellent introduction to the topic for the general reader, and I hope it will encourage the wider teaching of urban ecology." - John Hopkins, Bulletin of the British Ecological Society