A proposed framework for a social-ecological traits database for studying and managing urban plants and assessing the potential of database development using Floras

Abstract

Trait-based frameworks have received increased attention in biodiversity research for their capacity to streamline complex information for policy and management purposes. Such frameworks, however, are mostly developed for natural ecosystems, and social-ecological dynamics in urban ecosystems may present needs that are distinct from natural ecosystems. We proposed a framework for developing a social-ecological traits database for plant selection and spontaneous vegetation managementusing three major categories of social-ecologically relevant considerations: 1) Sustenance and maintenance effects; 2) Ecosystem service/disservice effects; and 3) Conservation and ecological-meaning effects. We further examined the potential of using the Flora of Taiwan and vascular plants of Taipei city parks as a case study for using Floras for database development, and compared the results with two global trait databases, TRY and GIFT. Issues in Flora data include: 1) systematic omission of horticultural species, 2) low species trait coverage, and 3) complexity in original data. TRY included more measurement-based traits imperative to functional interpretations; Flora had wider global coverage than TRY. GIFT was based on Floras, but included only functional traits and omitted traits of social importance identified in our framework. Information uniquely available in the Flora include information of local relevance (e.g. associated local landscapes and commonness/rarity within the region) and social aspects of ecosystem services (e.g., edibility and visual aesthetics). Maintenance considerations are lacking in all three databases. We suggest interdisciplinary collaboration to further advance the proposed social-ecological traits framework and database to enhance the functions and sustainability of urban green infrastructures.