Recent changes in plant species diversity in urban Pelham Bay Park, 1947–1998

Abstract

Anthropogenic activity and natural successional processes negatively affected native plant species diversity in Pelham Bay Park, New York City. From 1947 to 1994, 25.5% of the native species were extirpated from this urban park, a rate of 2.9 species lost per year. Native species of the flora declined from 71.7% in 1947 to 59.6% in 1994–98. Native herbaceous species were significantly more likely to be extirpated than native woody species. Native species of meadow-type habitats were significantly more likely to be extirpated than species found in woodlands. By comparison, the number of non-native species found increased by 39.7% since 1947. Each of the different habitats in the park had a greater proportion of alien species in 1994–1998 than in 1946–1947. The key element in creating support for preserving the extant biodiversity of Pelham Bay Park is conservation education that stresses the importance of the city's biological heritage.