Project Abstract

Abstract
Urban sprawl is a prevailing form of land development that has been shaping the landscape of many cities around the world. This research project delves into the impact of urban sprawl on natural environments, particularly focusing on how it fragments and alters the natural landscape. Through a combination of field surveys, spatial analysis, and ecological assessments, this study aims to understand the legacy of sprawl on nature. The fragmentation of natural habitats due to urban sprawl poses significant challenges to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Fragmentation can lead to habitat loss, isolation of species populations, and disruption of ecological processes. These impacts can result in reduced species diversity, altered species composition, and increased vulnerability to environmental stressors. By investigating the legacy of sprawl on nature, this research project seeks to provide insights into the long-term consequences of unchecked urban expansion. It also aims to identify potential strategies for mitigating the negative effects of sprawl on natural environments. Understanding how sprawl fragments nature can inform urban planning and conservation efforts to promote more sustainable development practices. Field surveys will be conducted to assess the current status of natural habitats in areas affected by urban sprawl. Spatial analysis techniques, such as remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), will be employed to map out the extent of fragmentation and land use changes over time. Ecological assessments will focus on quantifying biodiversity patterns, species distributions, and ecosystem functions in fragmented landscapes. The findings of this research project are expected to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on urban ecology and conservation biology. By shedding light on the legacy of sprawl on nature, this study can inform policy makers, land-use planners, and conservation organizations about the importance of preserving and restoring natural habitats in urbanizing landscapes. It can also guide the development of sustainable urban design strategies that prioritize nature conservation and ecosystem resilience. In conclusion, this research project aims to deepen our understanding of how urban sprawl impacts natural environments and the implications for biodiversity conservation. By examining the legacy of sprawl on nature, we can strive towards creating more ecologically sustainable cities that coexist harmoniously with the natural world.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

Biological diversity (or biodiversity, for short) is the variety of life on Earth and the interactions, cycles, and processes of nature that link it all together. In its broadest definition, biodiversity includes individual species, the genetic diversity within species, the natural communities in which these species interact, and the ecosystems and landscapes in which species evolve and coexist (Noss and Cooperrider 1994). Although conservation efforts to protect biodiversity tend to focus on unique plants or rare animals, biodiversity actually encompasses all nature, including both common and rare components and even more obscure organisms such as fungi and microbes.