Embedded Files
This site is under construction 🚧🙂🚧 Message the mods at our Reddit community if you'd like to help. We'd be excited to have it!
Table of Contents
Benefits of Urban Wildlife
Benefits of Urban Wildlife
Climate Change Resilience
Climate Change Resilience
Flood Management
Flood Management
8:15 minute video "Due to their ability to hold onto water, beaver dams are also considered aid to climate resiliency. Some are researching this as a means to make "analog beaver dams", created to mimic a beaver dam in hopes of similar benefits. "
Types of Urban Wildlife
Types of Urban Wildlife
"Urban wildlife species can be considered human obligates, associates, exploiters, adapters, or avoiders. These designations relate to the degree to which urban wildlife benefits from or is harmed by anthropogenic habitat change. Whereas some species are able to take advantage of human food subsidies or refuge from predators, others persist in human dominated landscapes by avoiding contact with people as much as possible.
Human obligates might not be considered wildlife by some because they are often domestic animals, however they play a major role in urban wildlife community composition. Obligates compete with, disturb, and most importantly, predate upon native species. Species interactions between obligates and natives greatly influence community function and diversity both in and on the fringes of urban development. Domestic cats in particular are known for their impressive predatory skills and their impacts on native and migratory bird species.
Who are they? Domestic cat, domestic dog, livestock (cow, goat, sheep)
Human associates and exploiters are often generalist or omnivorous species that can take advantage of anthropogenic resource subsidies, or food supplied by humans. Human food sources can take the form of gardens, garbage, domestic animals, pet food, or other human exploiters. Exploiter populations in particular are able to achieve much higher numbers in urban areas than in wildlands due to the prevalence of available food. However, exploiters can also reach high numbers in developed areas due to release from predation or the ability to outcompete other native species in a novel environment (McKinney 2006). Relationships between exploiters and local residents vary; songbirds that use backyard feeders are often regarded positively, whereas predators that kill pets are likely to have negative associations. Property damage and disease transmission can also generate negative attitudes toward certain exploiters, including raccoons.
Who are they? Raccoon, Virginia opossum, European starling, house finch, rock dove, house mouse, California gull, American crow, Eurasian collared dove, house sparrow, grey squirrel
Human adapters are species that may utilize human resources and survive in human dominated areas, but do not necessarily receive an added benefit from living with humans. These species are often located on the periphery of development and may be relatively common in areas dominated by rural and exurban development. Adapters generally have not had a history of antagonism with humans and are often generalists that can use a wide variety of habitats. Deer are sometimes regarded as human adapters, as they can achieve high population sizes from wild areas to suburban habitats.
Who are they? Bobcat, coyote, white-tailed deer, black bear, American robin, red fox, striped skunk, Northern cardinal, lesser goldfinch, red-tailed hawk
Human avoiders are not expected to use urban areas, but occasionally may find themselves amongst people when attempting to disperse or migrate. Avoiders often have either a history of conflict with humans or very specific habitat requirements for reproduction or foraging that are unattainable in human settlements. These species can experience high mortality rates or decreased reproductive rates in human dominated habitats. Mountain lions, for example, are human avoiders, but occasionally come into conflict with human communities by eating livestock or pets.
Who are they? Mountain lion, grey wolf, grey fox, Pileated woodpecker (This category is largely comprised of local native species with particular habitat requirements, and is challenging to characterize. Unlike urban wildlife, native wildlife assemblages are highly distinct and diverse across the United States. When thinking about human avoiders, consider which species you see in open spaces or state parks near your town, but not within its limits.)" - Urban Wildlife Group
Disturbances & Threats To Urban Wildlife
Disturbances & Threats To Urban Wildlife
"Urban ecosystems are often comprised of similar disturbances, including:
Habitat loss
Light and noise pollution
Invasive species
Chemical runoff and pollution
Habitat fragmentation
These disturbances can result in biotic homogenization, or the selection of the same animals that can tolerate human development and proliferate in urban landscapes across large spatial scales (McKinney 2006). Biotic homogenization threatens to favor the same generalist species in all cities, while diminishing populations of local endemics and specialists, which can be easily outcompeted by generalist and invasive species in disturbed habitats (Shochat et al. 2010).
Direct effects: Structure and function of the urban wildlife community is facilitated by differential responses to development and the degree to which species can utilize human resources. While some bat species are disturbed by anthropogenic light pollution (Stone et al. 2009), amphibians may be impacted primarily by loss of aquatic habitat or chemical runoff into waterways (Brand et al. 2010), and carnivores can be poisoned by the bioaccumulation of rodenticides (Riley et al. 2007). Other species have higher risk of disease in developed habitats due to higher population densities or interaction with domestic animals (Daszak et al. 2000). Large predators are at risk of decline due to spatial constraints and habitat fragmentation that decrease population size and genetic diversity (Bateman and Fleming 2012). Behavioral responses to development can inhibit wildlife from obtaining necessary resources or finding suitable mates for reproduction (Habib et al. 2006).
Indirect effects: Urbanization can alter interactions between species and therefore impact some species indirectly. Indirect effects often occur as a result of changes in the predator community (Prange and Gehrt 2004) or resource composition (Oro et al. 2013). For example, mesopredator release can occur with the loss of top predators, increasing predation pressure on native songbirds and small mammals (Crooks and Soule 2010). Anthropogenic subsidies can also produce indirect effects by decoupling predator-prey feedbacks (Rodewald et al. 2011).
Cumulative effects: Many anthropogenic impacts on wildlife populations are exacerbated by urbanization and development (Sala et al. 2000). For example, fragmenting the landscape by building roads and housing reduces the ability for species impacted by climate change to track their suitable climate envelope. Complex and cumulative effects of urbanization and other ecosystem changes therefore threaten to dramatically restructure wildlife communities." - Urban Wildlife Group
Solutions
Solutions
Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict
Reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict
"One of the best ways to avoid human-wildlife conflict is to reduce attractants for unwanted animals. To reduce conflict with urban wildlife, residents can:
Lock all outdoor garbage cans
Regularly dispose of fallen fruit from fruit trees
Keep pets indoors at night
Keep goats, sheep, and chickens in a covered enclosure at night
Keep cats indoors as much as possible, especially when migratory birds are in the area
Use birdfeeders specifically designed not to spill or be accessible by non-target species
Be aware of any wildlife-borne diseases in your region that could infect you or your pet" - Urban Wildlife Group
In addition we can focus on specific types of pollution that affect wildlife:
Reduce Light pollution
Turn off lights at night, set them to timers, and/or upgrade them to use motion detectors.
Avoid using fireworks
Turn off your high beams and get your headlight properly aligned to avoid dazzling wildlife or people.
Double or triple pane windows can keep noise both in and out, protecting dwellers from traffic and other types of noise pollution, while protecting wildlife from our loud noises, such as loud music or parties.
Avoid using loud equipment such as gas-powered mowers or leaf blowers, electric models are quieter and cleaner, but hand-powered or other alternatives can be even cleaner and quieter.
Expand Green Spaces & Reduce Landscape Pollution
Expand Green Spaces & Reduce Landscape Pollution
Greenways and greenbelts can help reduce urban sprawl, provide green spaces for humans as well as pets and wildlife. They can help link fragmented places, reducing inbreeding or starvation of wildlife.
Community Gardens provide us with food and a place to connect, while wildlife can enjoy them for hunting, pollinating, breeding, and more.
Protecting or replanting riparian areas can go hand in hand with greenways and greenbelts. The trees growing either side of a water way specifically provides water access for wildlife as well as protection to the waterway from dangerous chemicals.
Pesticides
How to Help Your Community Create an Effective Mosquito Management Plan "This guide will help you learn more about mosquitoes and the diverse wetland communities in which they play an important part, and give you the resources and information you need to work for the adoption of safe, effective methods of mosquito management in the places where you live and play."
Reduce Light Pollution
Reduce Light Pollution
Light ordinances can help protect wildlife from being blinded or confused by artificial lighting. Less light pollution means less cancer and other health problems in humans. Being able to see the night sky also means scientists will be able to see threats from outer space (such as asteroids) before they potentially crash into Earth.
Projects/Solutions by Species
Projects/Solutions by Species
Bee Stops: Rooftop Pollinator Gardens on Bus Stops
Bee Stops: Rooftop Pollinator Gardens on Bus Stops
Sometimes people get nervous about bees at ground level, but bees don't mind fouraging higher up, where people won't even notice them. This makes wall or vertical gardens, roof gardens, and pots on patios so perfect!
Hedgehog Highways
Hedgehog Highways
The Hedgehog Highway concept was created to help hedgehogs survive the increasing risks of habitat fragmentation which threaten many species. These little creatures waddle around gardens every night eating thousands of insects, and providing ecological benefits for us as we sleep. Around the world, similarly vital species are at risk of starvation, dehydration, or being unable to find mates and reproduce because of the barriers we put up in their habitats.
Even if you live in a country without hedgehogs, chances are that you have other wild neighbors such as possums, amphibians, mammals, and more who could benefit from similar environmental adjustments.
Resources
Resources
How to Help Hedgehogs
How to Help Hedgehogs
Link Your Garden "Ensuring hedgehogs can pass freely through your garden is one of the most important things you can do to help them."
Hedgehog Highway Signs & Homes for Sale
Hedgehog Highway Signs & Homes for Sale
NHBS: Hedgehog Homes This page also offers signs and hedgehog hole doorway protector.
Click the Hedgehogs button for more information including 3D printable hedgehog highway signs and other useful things.
Hedgerows
Hedgerows
These not only help wildlife by providing food, shelter, and nesting materials, but they can protect us from air pollution. When planted next to schools, they can keep traffic pollution out of playgrounds, and when planted near other natural resources including parks, gardens, or waterways, they can function as part of a wildlife corridor.
Swift Bricks
Swift Bricks
Resources
Resources
Facts About Swift Bricks (PDF)
How & Where to Install Swift Bricks This page includes photos and diagrams of wall positioning to ensure success.
Guidance for Including Bird Boxes in Residential Development (PDF)
Guidelines for Installing Swift Nest Boxes in Church Belfries (PDF) includes diagrams and photos.
External Wall Insulation: An Opportunity to Boost Biodiversity This guide demonstrates different nest box types.
Where to Buy Swift Bricks
Where to Buy Swift Bricks
NHBS: Integrated Bird Boxes This site offers bird boxes, bat boxes, books and more for conservation
Apps & Tools
Apps & Tools
Bee Score: Flower Finder 🌺 # 🐝 ✅ "Select the flowers you have in your garden, then hit continue to find out your current bee kind score. If you’re not sure exactly which plants you have, try clicking the filters on and off to help identify the bee-friendly flowers in your garden." This is hosted by and for UK residents, so you won't get a bonus for "native species" if you live outside the UK, and might see your local natives listed as "non-native" or get an "invasive penalty" even if those plants are fine where you live, but this is still a fun and educational resource.
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
Bee Score: Flower Finder 🌺 # 🐝 ✅ "Select the flowers you have in your garden, then hit continue to find out your current bee kind score. If you’re not sure exactly which plants you have, try clicking the filters on and off to help identify the bee-friendly flowers in your garden." This is hosted by and for UK residents, so you won't get a bonus for "native species" if you live outside the UK, and might see your local natives listed as "non-native" or get an "invasive penalty" even if those plants are fine where you live, but this is still a fun and educational resource.
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
Roadways
Roadways
Managing Roadsides and Rights-of-Way for Pollinators "With more than 10 million acres of land in roadsides in the United States alone, transportation rights-of-way are a significant, yet often overlooked resource for pollinator conservation. In landscapes denuded of natural areas by agriculture or urbanization, roadsides, utility easements, and other rights-of-way are an increasingly important component of regional habitat networks. They can support native vegetation, provide refuge for wildlife and connect fragmented habitat."
Pesticides
Pesticides
How to Help Your Community Create an Effective Mosquito Management Plan "This guide will help you learn more about mosquitoes and the diverse wetland communities in which they play an important part, and give you the resources and information you need to work for the adoption of safe, effective methods of mosquito management in the places where you live and play."
Nature-Friendly Gardening
Nature-Friendly Gardening
Gardening for Nature Recovery Poster (PDF) "The Bumblebee Conservation Trust has teamed up with We Have The POWER to bring you these 11 simple actions you can take to support wildlife in your outdoor space – whether it is a window box, balcony, garden, or allotment or community green space."
North America
North America
USA
USA
California
State Wildlife Action Plan "A plan for conserving California's wildlife resources while responding to environmental challenges"
Programs & Projects
Programs & Projects
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
EarthWatch: Naturehood "we work closely with people to create community-scale strategies designed to address the priorities each individual neighbourhood has identified, provide community ownership and bring people together through collective action and shared vision. We adapt our approach to each community, focusing on creating sustainable structures and building networks, as well as offering continuous support via our online platform to make sure Naturehood lives on after the project ends. Together we can bring nature to the communities that stand to benefit from it most. For people and wildlife."
North America
North America
USA
USA
The SCA's Urban Green Programs are paid innovative workforce development opportunities for youth and young adults underrepresented in the conservation field. Our Urban Green programs include single-day service projects, seasonal work and year-long internships or fellowships in major metropolitan cities."
Pennsylvania
PHS Philadelphia LandCare "our team replaces waste with grass, trees, and plants in 13,000 lots to develop green spaces in urban areas."
Organizations
Organizations
International
International
The Urban Wildlife Information Network (UWIN) "was created by UWI as an alliance of urban wildlife scientists committed to conducting research to enhance our knowledge of urban wildlife and their relationships with people.
We are seeking partners in cities around the world as we build the first global network collecting urban wildlife data. This network provides tools for scientists, city planners, and wildlife managers to understand, conserve, and manage wildlife on our rapidly urbanizing planet. Currently, UWIN has developed methodologies to collect, analyze and interpret wildlife data via camera trap surveys. Additional methods, such as acoustic monitoring and bird counts, can be integrated into camera trap data analyses. We are also interested in developing network wide protocols for other data collection methodologies so they too can be compared across cities."
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
EarthWatch: Naturehood "we work closely with people to create community-scale strategies designed to address the priorities each individual neighbourhood has identified, provide community ownership and bring people together through collective action and shared vision. We adapt our approach to each community, focusing on creating sustainable structures and building networks, as well as offering continuous support via our online platform to make sure Naturehood lives on after the project ends. Together we can bring nature to the communities that stand to benefit from it most. For people and wildlife."
Earthwatch Europe: Tiny Forest "brings the benefits of woodland right into the heart of our cities and urban spaces: connecting people with nature, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as well as providing nature-rich habitat to support urban wildlife."
North America
North America
USA
USA
Ashoka's Community Greens A non-profit organization that empowers citizens to create and manage shared green spaces where people live and work.
Ecological Landscape Alliance "Since its founding in 1992, the Ecological Landscape Alliance has been a leader in promoting sustainable approaches to landscape design, construction, and management. ELA’s commitment to innovative ideas and evidence-based practices has made the organization both a trusted resource and a vibrant community of landscape professionals and devoted gardeners."
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Urban Wildlife Conservation Program improves lives by expanding access to green space, education and outdoor recreation for Americans living in and around cities. Program members work to clear social and historical barriers and foster new connections that advance conservation and strengthen communities.
Arkansas
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization "works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in an urban watershed that drains directly into the Mississippi River. We are a joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area."
California
The Watershed Project their "mission is to inspire San Francisco Bay Area communities to understand, appreciate, and protect our local watersheds."
Illinois
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization "works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in an urban watershed that drains directly into the Mississippi River. We are a joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area."
Minnesota
The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization "works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in an urban watershed that drains directly into the Mississippi River. We are a joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area."
Mississippi
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization "works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in an urban watershed that drains directly into the Mississippi River. We are a joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area."
Missouri
Camp Monarch "is a newly founded nonprofit committed to addressing the loss of vital habitats for the Monarch Butterfly and many other species across North America. Right now, we are a small but dedicated team of passionate individuals determined to take action for wildlife and biodiversity. Our work begins by laying the foundation for a network of habitat restoration projects, with a focus on empowering landowners to be part of the solution.
As we get started, we’re recruiting founding members who share our vision of restoring fragmented ecosystems and reconnecting wildlife corridors. Our work may still be in its early stages, but we know that with the right people, every small step will lead to big impact."
Oklahoma
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization "works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in an urban watershed that drains directly into the Mississippi River. We are a joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area."
Texas
Virginia
Friends of the Rappahannock "All our efforts work together to achieve our mission to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River."
Wisconsin
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization "works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in an urban watershed that drains directly into the Mississippi River. We are a joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area."
Oceana
Oceana
Australia
Australia
Greening Australia: Nature in Cities "We are working with communities, businesses and government to create restored, reconnected and resilient urban habitats across Australia."
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunities
Maps
Maps
International
International
Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."
North America
North America
USA
USA
Stormwater Management and Restoration Tracking (SMART) Tool (Interactive) Tool tracks storm water management practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed which spans, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
North America
North America
USA
USA
Missouri
Prairie Garden Grants Program "Gardening and other conservation groups, parks, schools, and other entities in Missouri and immediately surrounding states are invited to submit proposals to MPF’s Prairie Garden Grants Program. In 2024, MPF would like to award several grants to help fund the establishment or improvement of prairie gardens or plantings. Grants will not exceed $800 each. Those with smaller projects are encouraged to apply as well. Matching funds are not required, but proposals with secured matching funds may be evaluated higher than others."
Pennsylvania
PHS: Trees for Watersheds Grant Program "(formerly TreeVitalize Watersheds), which helps municipalities, nonprofits, and private landowners plant trees along streams, neighboring upland areas, and natural stormwater basins. The result is thousands of trees planted every year in sensitive water protection zones."
South Carolina
PalmettoPride Tree Grants "Litter control organizations, beautification groups, government organizations, neighborhood associations and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina are eligible to apply for these trees."
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse