Ecological characterisation of urban ponds in the Netherlands: a study based on data collected by volunteers

Peeters, E.T.H.M.; Wilhelm, Michiel; Gerritsen, A.; Seelen, Laura

doi:10.21425/f5fbg57816

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…They are created for various reasons, including aesthetic values, microclimate regulation, keeping ornamental animals, or supporting biodiversity (Oertli et al, 2023). Garden ponds have the potential to offer many ecosystem services, and small ponds are a way to connect to nature, observe wildlife, and also to increase the blue-green surface in urban areas (Peeters et al, 2023). Still, there is only scarce information about the exact number of garden ponds in cities (Hill et al, 2021), and no standard protocol has been established regarding their management to support high biodiversity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Citizen (or community) science, i.e., the involvement of citizens in scientific research and data production, is becoming a valued and necessary research tool for scientists to evaluate or gain knowledge about a wide range of scientific topics (Fraisl et al, 2022), ranging from archeology (Smith, 2014) through ecology (Johansson et al, 2020; Oertli et al, 2023; Peeters et al, 2023) to astrophysics (Memarsadeghi et al, 2022). Citizen science has many shortcomings, such as the lack of standardized methods in the study design or unreliable data collection without expert knowledge.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of urbanisation, habitat characteristics, and management on garden pond biodiversity: a citizen science approach

Márton,

Barta,

Vad

et al. 2023

Preprint

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The rapid expansion of urban areas leads to loss, fragmentation, and degradation of natural habitats, posing a serious threat to biodiversity. While urban ponds might contribute substantially to the biodiversity of urban blue-green infrastructure, the role of garden ponds, one of their most numerous representatives, is still little known. We lack a comprehensive understanding of how local habitat features, different forms of management, and urbanisation might impact the biodiversity of these habitats. This study aimed to reveal the importance of garden ponds via a country-wide online citizen science survey in Hungary, Central Europe. Based on data from over 800 pond owners, we gained knowledge about the prevalence and local frequency of various native animal groups, including amphibians, odonates, and birds, as well as information regarding introduced animals, such as fish. Additionally, we collected data about pond features and management practices. We tested the effect of pond features, pond management, and landscape-level drivers (urbanisation, surrounding wetland coverage) on the presence of conspicuous animal groups (adult amphibians, birds, odonates, and tadpoles) along with species of adult amphibians to identify the potential drivers of the biodiversity of garden ponds. Key pond features like pond age, area, aquatic and shoreline vegetation were the most important factors, while algaecide addition was the most influential management practice negatively affecting the presence of amphibians. Urbanisation had a negative effect on the presence of adult amphibians and their tadpoles, but surprisingly, it was not negatively associated with the presence of odonates and birds. Our results demonstrate the vital role of garden ponds in urban biodiversity conservation, most notably by providing secondary habitats and contributing to amphibian conservation, as evidenced by the occurrence of 13 species. Emphasizing public involvement is key in developing effective urban biodiversity conservation strategies and recognizing citizens’ potential contributions to a better functioning blue-green infrastructure.Graphical abstractGraphical abstract:Summary of the key results from the MyPond survey. Arrows indicate significant relationships (blue: positive, red: negative) between the presence of animal groups and pond features and management practices)HighlightsOver 800 garden pond owners participated in a citizen science project in Hungary.Garden ponds can host flagship animal groups, e.g., amphibians, odonates, and birds.Pond age, area, and vegetation influenced the occurrence of these animal groups.Urbanisation had a negative effect on amphibian communities.Algaecide application played a key role in the presence of multiple animal groups.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of urbanisation, habitat characteristics, and management on garden pond biodiversity: a citizen science approach

Márton,

Barta,

Vad

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Notably, in this instance, the analysis points to the species having a less extensive geographical distribution than previously claimed in the literature. Also illustrating the potential of citizen science data gathering for invertebrates, Peeters et al (2023) show how volunteers can be encouraged to contribute data for isolated water bodies otherwise inaccessible to science, in the shape of private urban ponds in the Netherlands. Sadar and Marske (2023) exemplify the use of a different form of data, photographed occurrences of four species of widow spiders (Latrodectus), sourced by invitation from social media communities and then combined with data from GBIF, and including data from online community science repositories.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%