ABSTRACT
This chapter uses a broad definition of urban biodiversity that is useful in a multidisciplinary approach in biodiversity conservation as discussed by Farinha-Marques et al. Urban ecological studies in Africa show a clear bias towards South African cities. Overharvesting of natural resources from fragmented natural areas within the urban matrix can further contribute to the decline of biodiversity. Studying private garden management practices might be the key to understand why people maintain biodiversity in cities, acknowledging the fact that gardens provide opportunities of practice to appreciate and utilize urban green areas. From the literature it is clear that environmental management for urban biodiversity should not focus only on the fragmented natural areas or the public and private open spaces, but needs to include the entire urban matrix. Management actions to safeguard biodiversity highlight the importance of providing ecosystem services through urban green spaces and infrastructures.
