Using multiple ecological evaluators to introduce a proper management plan for urban vacant lots

A case‐study from Iran

Bibliographic Data

ID21648138
AuthorsEsraa Mohammad Alnoiji (0000-0003-2466-6926, Quantitative Plant Ecology and Biodiversity Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Mashhad Iran), Mohammad Bagher Erfanian (0000-0002-8671-9037, Quantitative Plant Ecology and Biodiversity Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Mashhad Iran), Zohreh Atashgahi (0000-0001-6130-9261, Quantitative Plant Ecology and Biodiversity Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Mashhad Iran), Hamid Ejtehadi (0000-0002-6128-2481, Quantitative Plant Ecology and Biodiversity Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Mashhad Iran, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume34
Issue3
Pages833-843
Publication date2023-02-15
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLand Degradation and Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1085-3278 • E-ISSN: 1099-145X
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ldr.4499
OpenAlexW4304823230
LanguageEN
References cited55

Urban vacant lots (VLs) can harbour a large number of rare and endangered species. In the present study, we evaluated species composition and biodiversity of plant communities inhabiting VLs in the City of Mashhad, northeastern Iran. We used a line transect sampling method to sample 98 random VLs along different districts of the City. We classified VLs based on their species composition and environmental factors. Then, a significant difference in the community composition along with the dominant and indicator species of clusters was evaluated. Also, we compared species and phylogenetic diversities of clusters. We identified four clusters. The species composition of the four clusters was different. One cluster (i.e., D912) had more range‐restricted species than the other clusters. This cluster also had a higher species and phylogenetic diversity than the others. Two clusters had the lowest phylogenetic diversity in comparison with the others. Our results implied that income distribution in the city had indirect effects on plant communities of VLs. Vegetation of VLs in areas with higher average income was less damaged than that of the lower‐income areas. Because of its most diverse and range‐restricted plants, the D912 cluster should be managed to maintain the biodiversity in the city. Land use change to parks or urban agricultural lands is suggested for degraded and species‐poor VLs

Biodiversity · Biology · Endangered species · Geography · Global biodiversity · Habitat · Phylogenetic diversity · Phylogenetic tree · Species diversity · Transect · Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies · Land Use and Ecosystem Services · Urban Green Space and Health · Ecology

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