ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concept of biodiversity, and discusses the importance of biodiversity in urban areas, especially as it relates to animals. The chapter consider the inter-connections between people and animals in cities, and they consider some steps that environmental planners can take to improve the quantity and quality of urban biodiversity. As Byrne has noted: The ability of urban wildlife to coexist with humans depends upon the time, place and scale of human-animal interactions. Cities and suburbs may also affect urban wildlife due to human exploitation, disturbance and pollution. Urban vegetation serves animal communities by providing food and shelter. Urban adapters benefit from developed environments due to increased food sources or shelter sites. The growth of the native granivorous bird assemblage was due to more watering points and the presence of expanses of lawn dotted with large trees. Environmental planners must also acknowledge the potential effects of climate change in the local context.
