Mapping multigroup responses to land cover legacy for urban biodiversity conservation

Urban biodiversity plays a crucial role in the functioning of urban ecosystems and significantly impacts the well-being and quality of life for city residents. By focusing on the city of Porto as a case study, the influence of local-scale land cover evolution on urban biodiversity is investigated, using species richness of birds, reptiles, and amphibians as indicators, within a multimodel inference framework. The results underscore the importance of past land cover and land cover legacy in shaping urban biodiversity. Birds, reptiles, and amphibians respond positively to older vegetation patches but negatively to long-established urban areas. Birds exhibit adaptability by positively responding to recent vegetation, while amphibians tend to avoid newly vegetated zones. The fragmented distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Porto suggests limited mobility and a potential delayed response to habitat loss and isolation. Reptiles benefit from both wooded and herbaceous habitats, emphasizing the importance of local spatial diversity, while water elements are critical for amphibians, although many aquatic habitats in the urban context may not be suitable. Modeling results guide the identification of priority areas for urban biodiversity conservation in Porto, informing decision-makers, urban planners, and conservationists. This spatially explicit research aids efforts to create more ecologically resilient and biodiverse urban environments. It highlights the role of historical land cover and the unique responses of different vertebrate groups to urbanization, contributing to our understanding of urban biodiversity dynamics and sustainable urban development.