Springer Insect Conservation and Urban Environments

Includes chapters on assessing changes among assemblages and in individual species, the variety of general threats (notably habitat changes and impacts of alien species) and more particularly urban threats. The first global overview and synthesis of the impacts of urbanisation on insects and their relatives and the needs and theoretical and practical background to conserving them in urban environments. Insect dependence on open spaces in built-up areas suggests a wide range of management options for conservation, from individual site (including novel habitats such as green roofs) to landscape-level connectivity. These measures, all discussed with specific examples, involve all sectors of humanity, from government agencies to individual householders and ‘citizen scientist’ groups. Each chapter includes pertinent and recent. Review “This very readable book consists of 11 chapters, beginning with consideration of the characteristics of urban areas and how their changing nature modifies ecosystems at a broad level. … thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in conservation of insects or other biodiversity, whether their focus is urban, agricultural or otherwise. It is an excellent overview of the subject without being over-long or wordy, and provides a realistic assessment of the challenges that we face in urban insect conservation.” (Alvin. J. Helden, Journal of Insect Conservation, Vol. 20, 2016) From the Back Cover This overview of the impacts of urbanisation on insect life and of the principles and practice of insect conservation in urban environments brings together examples and urban contexts from many parts of the world, to demonstrate the wide variety of urban threats and possible remedial measures to conserve insects in spaces such as urban parks and home gardens.  Discussion of changes in well studied focal insect groups such as ants and ground beetles along urban-rural gradients, of pest management in urban environments and of the great variety of resources available amongst open ‘green spaces’ and waterbodies facilitate understanding of conservation needs. They show the possibilities for management to protect or restore individual species, entire assemblages and communities, and ecological functions, with that management extending from individual sites to landscape levels to promote connectivity and reduce site isolation by urban developments. ‘Novel habitats’, such as green roofs, are important contributors to this perspective. Participation by all levels of urban humanity, from government agencies to community groups and individuals (as citizen scientists) is needed, and the importance of promoting interests in insects and conservation amongst young people is emphasized.