Landscape-scale habitat connectivity in urban environments

Urban environments can support rich biodiversity but development and transportation networks cause habitat loss and fragmentation. The creation of larger, higher quality and better-connected habitats provides joint blueprint for enhanced urban biodiversity and ecosystem service provision but the complex land use and ownership mosaic of cities presents challenges. While use of public space is contested and coordinating action across diverse stakeholders is difficult, local authorities are increasingly recognising the multiple benefits of urban habitat creation and there is growing interest in “wildlife-friendly” gardening. 

Connectivity-based spatial modelling approaches enable evaluation of how functionally “joined-up” existing habitats are based on species mobility characteristics and identification of “opportunity” areas. However, their predictive capabilities are constrained by data quality and availability. Recent developments in remote sensing technology, AI and eDNA-based biological monitoring offer potential to enhance the quality of spatially-referenced information on urban habitat characteristics and species presence. This project will investigate: 

• How 3D and multispectral remotely sensed data can improve urban habitat quality assessment;
• How novel biological monitoring approaches can be used to parameterise and validate species-specific urban habitat connectivity modelling;
• How effective are stepping stone habitats in supporting urban biodiversity.