Urban Ecosystems: the unseen wildlife in cities
Our urban spaces are teeming with life, though we often overlook it. This life isn't merely human but encompasses an array of flora and fauna, insects and animals, all contributing to a vibrant and complex urban ecosystem. In one of my favorite podcast episodes this year, my co-host Jennifer and I talked with author Peter Alagona on his recent book "Accidental Ecosystems” on these often-overlooked ecosystems and understand their importance.
Central to the episode is the exploration of urban parks. Originally crafted as pastoral settings, urban parks have metamorphosed into forest-like spaces, offering habitats for a plethora of wildlife. An obvious example is Central Park in New York City. Built on already degraded land, the park has transformed into an ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife. These parks, though human-made, have become crucial for urban biodiversity, challenging our conventional understanding of wilderness.
Another focal point of the discussion was the North American Model, a set of principles guiding wildlife management for over a century. The model has been influential, but it isn't without its drawbacks. Its utilitarian view of wildlife and lack of consideration for non-game species has drawn criticism. The decline in hunting culture, a significant component of the North American Model, has implications for future wildlife management, signaling a need for reassessment and adaptation. Jennifer and I are seeing firsthand the decline of interest in hunting in the Midwest, with younger generations not taking an interest.
Our conversation also discussed pressing environmental issues including the loss of biological diversity, a topic often viewed as abstract and distant. However, its implications are far-reaching, affecting our economies, health, and climate. It raises ethical questions about our right to destroy species and ecosystems and compels us to consider our actions' long-term consequences. One such example of biodiversity loss that is actually going to have a major impact on the human race is bees. With colony collapse disorder on the rise with no way to fix the issue, crops and other plants that rely on bees for pollination are under threat.
Next time you are walking around your neighborhood, take a look at all the wildlife that makes up your local ecosystem. My area is home to a many foxes, hawks, various birds, armies of squirrels, raccoons, insects, and I’m sure some hidden creatures I have yet to discover. You, like me, may come to see the urban wilderness as complex, vibrant, and crucial to our collective well-being. Acknowledging this can guide our actions, from urban planning to wildlife conservation, towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
