Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that ponds contribute a great deal to biodiversity at a regional level as networks of habitat patches that also act as ‘stepping stones’ to facilitate the movement of species through the landscape. Similarly, a great deal of biodiversity persists in urban environments where synanthropic communities are supplemented by species that thrive in disturbed environments. Aquatic urban biodiversity appears to persist despite anthropogenic stressors: an array of anthropogenic pollutants (road salt and heavy metals), invasive species, and active mismanagement—particularly the removal of riparian vegetation. Optimizing urban ponds for different ecosystem services results in conflicting priorities over hydrological, geochemical, ecological, aesthetic, and cultural functions. The socio‐ecosystem approach to environmental management opens a path to greater incorporation of biodiversity into town planning and sustainability, while accounting for cultural attitudes to urban ecosystems. I identify a range of research needs: (1) the roles of design and location of urban ponds in influencing biodiversity, (2) the function of urban wetlands for stormwater and pollution management, and (3) public perceptions of urban ecosystems and how those perceptions are influenced by interactions with natural systems. Urban wetlands offer an important opportunity to educate the general public on natural systems and science in general using a resource that is located on their doorstep. In the face of increasing pressures on natural systems and increasing extent and intensity of urbanization, a more comprehensive appreciation of the challenges and opportunities provided by urban ponds could play a substantial role in driving sustainable urban development.This article is categorized under:Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and AwarenessWater and Life > Nature of Freshwater EcosystemsWater and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Highlights
Land use change, whether a conversion from natural habitat to agricultural or urban land, is likely to be the principle driver of biodiversity declines over the century in all biomes 1
The biodiversity resource represented by urban ponds is currently poorly quantified and described
The majority of urban ponds are likely to be located in residents’ gardens and represent a habitat that is almost completely unknown, the high quality urban ponds are likely to be larger, more diverse habitats managed as nature reserves or stormwater management facilities
Summary
Whether a conversion from natural habitat to agricultural or urban land, is likely to be the principle driver of biodiversity declines over the century in all biomes 1. Pond ecosystems Before giving closer consideration to ponds in urban areas, it is useful to understand the nature of small, lentic water bodies in general.
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