Wildlife inclusive cities: Wader bird friendly urban landscapes

Abstract

This thesis explores an urbanized area in Norway, which is an important area for migratory birds both nationally and globally, through a case analysis. Together with knowledge base, the case analysis is used to develop some important measures for wader bird friendly urban landscapes. Urbanization and downsizing of nature put biodiversity under pressure, and many species are fighting for their survival. Bird populations are declining worldwide, and the species that are mostly affected by urbanization are often the species with special habitat requirements. In Europe, ground nesting birds experience a larger decline compared to other bird species. Wader birds are in rapid population decline and are therefore of conservation concern across Europe. Globally there are about 209 species of wader birds, and in Norway there are around 70 species registered. Population decline has been observed in several species of waders, and about 50 % of the waders in Norway are appearing on the Norwegian red list for species. Management decisions have the potential to influence important nesting and feeding habitats and protect wader birds in urban areas. Still, the wader birds have received a limited amount of attention and research in Norway.

Fornebu, in Bærum municipality, is characterized as one of the most species rich localisations in Norway. Fornebu has gone through dramatic land use changes, transforming from an initial farming area to the primary airport of Norway, to a large housing project for business, housing, and recreation. The housing project is Northern Europe’s largest housing project and has affected the nature values through the construction of roads, housing, park-like landscapes, and increased human disturbance. The transformation has changed the natural landscape leading to a reduction of bird habitats. A document analysis reveals the municipality’s plans for future development of the landscape, and stakeholders’ perspectives on facilitating the landscape, through measures that might affect wader birds. The measures that emerge as most important is: to preserve the shoreline, restore wetlands, establish ponds, take care of meadows, facilitate edges with native vegetation, establish suitable habitats on green roofs, facilitate paths and signs for education amongst people, and facilitate protection against predators. The measures can help to protect and enhance the abundance of wader birds in urbanization processes and already urbanized landscapes and can help to raise awareness and promote education to citizens. The measures will also affect other species and can enhance the overall resilience of an urban environment.