ABSTRACT
Urban ecology is a rapidly growing field of investigation that explores the ecological patterns and processes found in towns and cities. It is particularly characterised by (1) interdisciplinarity of physical, environmental and social sciences; (2) a focus on spatial variation in ecological characteristics according to levels of urbanisation; and (3) more radical approaches to nature–society interactions. Urban ecology has mainly been concentrated around the Global North, but this focus is starting to shift to areas undergoing rapid urbanisation. The field is highly relevant to the design and management of more ecologically integral and sustainable cities.
