Improving avian diversity in urban areas through design and planning: a systematic review of relevant literature to inform evidence-based practice

Abstract

The conversion of native habitats to urbanized area is a primary threat to biodiversity and contributes to an increased rate of extinction. With the world population expected to reach 9.3 billion by 2050 the pressure of urbanization on biodiversity will continue to increase. Avian diversity is particularly threatened by urbanization. Avian communities i across the globe are becoming homogenized as habitat is lost and urban areas convert native habitats into conventional landscapes. This study conducted a systematic literature review of ecological, planning and design research to determine design and planning techniques that improve native avian diversity in the urban areas. The results of the study provide guidelines that designers and planners can use to improve avian diversity, as well as, a tested example of how systematic literature reviews can be conducted to inform design and planning fields. The methodologies used in this study should be employed as a platform to encourage effective, knowledgeable collaboration between science, planning and design fields.