The importance of cities in protecting imperiled species

Alyssa Pogson , Christopher John Dennison, Aalia I Khan, Megan Raposo, Margaret L Mohns, Christina M Davy, Joseph R Bennett, Dalal Hanna, Steven J. Cooke, Rachel Buxton

Habitat loss and alteration from urbanization threaten global biodiversity, and municipal decision-making therefore affects the persistence of many imperiled species. Using Canada as a case study, we quantified the overlap between critical habitats of imperiled species in large urban areas. Of these species, 14% were urban-restricted, and ~28% of these species, spanning nine taxonomic groups, had more than 75% of their mapped critical habitat in Canadian metropolitan areas. To explore municipal engagement in biodiversity conservation, we assessed the consideration of imperiled species in publicly available plans and strategies for 42 of the largest Canadian metropolitan areas. Over half of cities (72%) mentioned imperiled species in biodiversity or official plans and half (52%) outlined actions for these species. While biodiversity conservation is one of many competing priorities in cities, given their significant overlap with critical habitat, cities can play a large role in protecting and increasing public awareness of imperiled species.