Pattern of Urban Flora in Intra-City Railway Habitats (Alexandria, Egypt): A Conservation Perspective

Abstract

Intra-city railway areas are deemed large greenspaces and are believed to be key in enhancing the diversity and dynamics of urban flora. In the current study, the floristic composition and diversity along intra-city railway and tram tracks in Alexandria were surveyed. The floristic composition of the plant communities in relation to environmental factors, ecological indicators, and level of human impact was analyzed using multivariate analysis (two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) for classification and detrended correspondence analysis (DECORANA) for ordination. The multivariate ordination techniques (CCA) revealed differences in the environmental factors and climatic factors influencing the floristic composition of the railway and tram track habitats. Tram tracks suffered higher human impact while maintaining higher vitality and cover compared to train tracks. Species recorded were mainly therophytes, followed by phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes dominated by native species; however, invasive species’ contribution was higher compared to surrounding regions. The number of invasive species was greater in railway areas compared to tram track areas (19 and 15, respectively). The occurrence of two endemic species (Sinapis allionii and Sonchus macrocarpus) with limited national distribution highlights the importance of these habitats as valuable refuge areas for rare and endangered species worthy of conservation action.

Fragmentation and biodiversity change in urban vegetation: A case study of tram lines

“…These engineered substrates may have distinct physical and chemical properties compared to the natural soils in the surrounding area. Variations in soil and substrate characteristics can influence the types of plants that establish and thrive along the tram lines (Heneidy et al, 2021; Łukaszkiewicz et al, 2018; Rendeková et al, 2020).…”

“…The tram line was more favorable for xerophytic plants. influence the types of plants that establish and thrive along the tram lines (Heneidy et al, 2021;Łukaszkiewicz et al, 2018;Rendeková et al, 2020).…”

“…Urban plants absorb CO 2 and other pollutants and provide shade and cooling effects that can help reduce the temperature in urban areas (Maksymenko et al, 2021; Piracha & Chaudhary, 2022). (iii) Ecological value: Vegetation on tram lines can provide habitats for a range of wildlife, from birds and insects to small mammals (Heneidy et al, 2021; Jakubcová & Horváthová, 2020; Łukaszkiewicz et al, 2021; Nilsson et al, 2014; Vega & Küffer, 2021). This can help support biodiversity in urban areas and contribute to the overall health of urban ecosystems.…”

“…Human activity generates many specific habitats that are suitable for plant development. Tram and railway lines are synanthropic habitats that host specific plant species (Heneidy et al, 2021; Májeková et al, 2021; Rendeková et al, 2020). Urban vegetation of the tram lines was intentionally seeded, but some plant species occurred spontaneously.…”

Ecological-environmental challenges and restoration of aquatic ecosystems of the Middle-Eastern

“…In addition, understanding how urbanization affects vegetation in coastal areas of aquatic ecosystems is essential. Because they provide vital ecosystem services and maintain a high level of biodiversity 21 . Coastal regions are strongly affected by urbanization.…”