Narrate the impact of urbanisation on bio-diversity.

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Urbanisation harms biodiversity by destroying and fragmenting habitats, favouring generalists like the house crow and feral pigeon over specialist species, and adding air, noise and light pollution. Studies such as the State of India's Birds 2023 show the most urbanised areas have the lowest bird diversity.

**Introduction**

India’s rapid urbanisation reshapes ecosystems, causing biodiversity loss documented in the State of India’s Birds 2023 and WWF Living Planet Report 2024, necessitating urgent action. This transformation threatens the delicate balance of flora and fauna as natural habitats give way to concrete infrastructure.

**How Urbanisation Affects Biodiversity**

2. **Species Homogenisation**: Urban areas favour generalists such as house crow and feral rock pigeon, causing native species decline and reduced ecosystem resilience. This homogenisation undermines ecological stability by reducing species diversity.

**Relationship Between Urbanisation and Biodiversity Loss**

1. **Species Decline Correlation**: Highly urbanised areas show the lowest bird diversity, including rare insectivores, linking urbanisation intensity to biodiversity loss. The decline of specialist species is well documented in Indian cities.  
2. **Ecological Function Disruption**: Declines in birds affect seed dispersal, pollination, and pest control, harming ecosystem health. This disruption threatens ecosystem services vital for agriculture and human well-being.

**Way Forward**

1. **Native Vegetation in Urban Planning**: Incorporate native flora to support local wildlife, as recommended by conservation reports like the National Biodiversity Action Plan.  
2. **Urban Biodiversity Monitoring**: Conduct studies in cities like ==Visakhapatnam== to guide conservation, enabling data-driven policies.  
3. **Green Infrastructure**: Create green corridors and interconnected parks to reduce habitat fragmentation and facilitate species movement.  
4. **Domestic Animal Regulation**: Control free-ranging pets through awareness and policy to mitigate predation on urban wildlife, addressing a key but under-researched threat.

**Conclusion**

Urbanisation challenges biodiversity, but biodiversity-friendly urban planning can sustain ecosystems and human well-being, fulfilling SDG 15 and environmental duties. Integrating conservation with urban growth ensures resilient ecosystems in India’s rapidly urbanising future.

Narrate the impact of urbanisation on bio-diversity.

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