Green Urban Areas, a Landscape and Biological Characterization Applied to a Micro-basin of the Great Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica

Abstract

This article presents a landscape and biological characterization of urban green areas (UGA) of the Bermudez River micro-basin located in the province of Heredia, Costa Rica. This characterization is based on a classification according to criteria for the use of these green spaces, where landscape attributes such as quantity, average size, total area and condition of land cover are described; and biological attributes such as richness of species, genera and families, percentages of exotic and native species are identified by UGA category. Geospatial data was used in the case of the landscape component, obtained from municipalities, as well as photointerpretation and generation of own cartography. For assessing the biological component, field samplings, consultation with experts, and secondary sources through an exhaustive review of scientific literature and of online databases was employed. The results show that 8.95% (664.68 ha) of the total UGAs present in the micro-basin is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, protection of water resources and recreation, while private UGAs destined to crops and pastures almost quadruple the former (31.33%; 2,325.81 ha). 1,029 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbing plants, etc. were identified, with gardens and streets contributing the most species. Vertebrate fauna is dominated by birds, followed by reptiles, amphibians and finally mammals. In conclusion, the UGAs present in the study area show significant landscape and biological differences in terms of quantity, size, spatial distribution, floristic and fauna richness, and UGAs form a green web that provides ecosystem services to the city.