The Global Urban Tree Inventory: A database of the diverse tree flora that inhabits the world’s cities

Abstract

AbstractMotivationThe Global Urban Tree Inventory (GUTI) is a compilation of datasets on tree species found in cities and towns throughout the world. GUTI data can be used to address a diverse range of theoretical and applied investigations related to species’ biogeography and distribution, ecological and physiological tolerance to climatic, biophysical and environmental parameters, as well as plant conservation and invasion.Main types of variables containedGUTI contains current taxonomic data for 4,734 tree species planted in urban areas, their conservation status [International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN’s) Red List of Threatened Species] and invasion potential (Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species).Spatial location and grainFour hundred and seventy‐three urban areas in seventy‐three countries across five continents. The urban areas spanned 21 of 29 Koppen–Geiger climatic zones, and all 19 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations global ecofloristic zones.Time period and grainGUTI is based on the most recent collections of urban tree inventories and species lists compiled by local authorities or reported in the scientific literature. Most data have been collected or updated since 2010.Major taxa and level of measurementFour thousand seven hundred and thirty‐four tree species (c. 8% of the global known arboreal flora). One‐tenth of these tree species face conservation risk in the wild, whereas 327 species are known to have invasion potential.Software format.xls file.