Neotropical urban forest allergenicity and ecosystem disservices can affect vulnerable neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia

Abstract

Tree allergenicity has been documented as a relevant ecosystem disservice, a tradeoff to the many co-benefits of urban trees. However, information on the allergenic tree dynamics in Neotropical urban environments is scarce. We used species-level Allergenic Potential Value (APV) and pollen-emission capacity as well as data on treestructure and diversity to explore the spatial dynamics of tree allergenicity in Bogota Colombia's public urban forest. We then statistically and spatially analyzed this data along with socioeconomic and vulnerability information to better understand tree allergenicity dynamics and its role as a tropical urban ecosystem disservice. Results show that most of high APV species were present in the lowest socioeconomic strata. Hierarchical cluster analyses indicates that trees with higher APVs trend towards specific sectors in the city. Vulnerable neighborhoods were also identified according to public health access and age-related sociodemographic and used to discuss allergenicity-related ecosystem disservices. Findings show a paucity of tree cover in some vulnerable neighborhoods indicating not only an absence of allergy-related ecosystem disservices, but of overall ecosystem services as well. This approach using information sources can be used to better select functional traits, tree species, and planting strategies to reduce allergy and ecosystem disservice hotpots in tropical urban cities.