(Press-News.org) Research in the Journal of Applied Ecology has identified threats to endangered plants in an urban area, generating information that can be used to guide effective conservation strategies across major cities.
For the study, investigators in Germany analyzed data on 1,231 populations of 201 endangered plant species within Berlin’s Flora Protection Program. Threats were categorized and their relative importance was quantified at both population and species levels, and across habitat types.
Biological threats—especially from plant species that aggressively spread or from those that establish themselves as ecosystems change—were most prevalent, followed by threats related to agriculture, nutrient inputs, urban development, and recreation. Among biological threats, non-native species have been widely perceived as key threats to urban biodiversity, but the study’s data suggest that they impact only 15.2% of endangered plant populations—a similar share compared with threats by native species (16.0%).
“Non-native species are often blamed for biodiversity loss in cities, but our results tell a different story. In Berlin, other pressures— including highly competitive native species—pose a much greater threat,” said corresponding author Ingo Kowarik, PhD, of the Technical University of Berlin. “To protect urban biodiversity effectively, we need to shift the debate and focus our limited resources on the most impactful drivers of decline.”
URL upon publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.70275
Additional Information
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About the Journal
Journal of Applied Ecology publishes novel, broad-reaching papers on the interface between ecological science and the management of the natural environment. We cover all ecological realms and themes in applied ecology, with a focus on addressing the acute global challenges of mitigating and adapting to climate change, conserving biodiversity, and promoting nature's multifaceted contributions to people. Journal of Applied Ecology is part of the prestigious British Ecological Society portfolio.
About Wiley
Wiley is a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence for the advancement of scientific discovery, innovation, and learning. With more than 200 years at the center of the scholarly ecosystem, Wiley combines trusted publishing heritage with AI-powered platforms to transform how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and applied. From individual researchers and students to Fortune 500 R&D teams, Wiley enables the transformation of scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. From knowledge to impact—Wiley is redefining what's possible in science and learning. Visit us at Wiley.com and Investors.Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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How do native and non-native plants affect endangered plant species in cities?
2026-01-28
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