USA: Gentrification attracts wildlife to cities

In recent years, the phenomenon of gentrification has become a common occurrence in many cities around the world. As neighborhoods become trendier, new businesses and shops move in, houses are renovated, and rents increase. Unfortunately, this often leads to the displacement of long-time residents who can no longer afford to live in their own neighborhoods. One telltale sign of gentrification is the conversion of attic spaces into apartments with terraces, indicating a shift towards more upscale living.

However, a new and intriguing aspect of this urban transformation has been explored by researchers from the United States. They have delved into the impact of gentrification on biodiversity, shedding light on how this process affects wildlife in urban areas. A study published in the prestigious journal „PNAS“ reveals that gentrification can actually provide more habitat for wild animals within the city. This is due to the creation of green spaces such as small parks and gardens as part of neighborhood revitalization efforts, offering a respite for various species amidst the urban landscape.

The research team set up motion-sensor cameras at 999 locations in 23 U.S. cities, ranging from Los Angeles to Chicago to Boston, to monitor the presence of wild animals. Over the course of two years, they captured footage of 21 different species, including squirrels, deer, foxes, lynxes, and beavers. The analysis showed a correlation between gentrification and a higher diversity of wildlife, with gentrified neighborhoods hosting an average of 13% more species compared to non-gentrified areas within the same city.

Interestingly, the study also highlighted the significant impact of land sealing on urban biodiversity. Despite the increase in wildlife diversity in gentrified neighborhoods, areas with less sealed surfaces in non-gentrified parts of the city still harbored more wild animals. This underscores the complex interplay between urban development, environmental factors, and wildlife populations.

Mason Fidino, an ecologist at the Lincoln Park Zoo and the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of examining who has access to nature within a city and how gentrification affects this dynamic. He pointed out that while gentrification alters the demographic composition of neighborhoods, it also influences the presence of other species that share urban spaces with humans. Fidino highlighted the issue of social inequality in access to urban nature, calling for a focus on environmental justice and equitable access to natural spaces for all city residents.

In the United States, the concept of environmental justice has long been used to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities. Similarly, gentrification has become synonymous with social inequality and urban transformation. While the study focused on U.S. cities, the implications of gentrification are relevant in European capitals as well, where the topic has sparked debates and discussions for years.

Contrary to cities like London and Berlin, a study by the Austrian Academy of Sciences in 2021 suggested that Vienna has experienced limited gentrification. While some neighborhoods have been heavily affected, the overall impact remains contained. This highlights the varying degrees of gentrification across different cities and underscores the need to consider environmental justice in urban planning efforts.

In conclusion, the study on the impact of gentrification on urban biodiversity offers a fresh perspective on this complex phenomenon. By shedding light on how neighborhood revitalization can affect wildlife populations, it prompts us to consider the broader implications of urban development on both human and non-human inhabitants of cities. As cities continue to evolve and grow, it is essential to prioritize environmental justice and equitable access to nature for all residents, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between urban dwellers and wildlife.