Planting native gardens on suburban nature strips can boost urban biodiversity, with insect numbers increasing sevenfold and species numbers nearly doubling, an Australian study found.
Researchers studied the effects of planting habitat gardens on nature strips across the Merri-bek City Council in Melbourne's north in Australia to quantify the biodiversity benefits that these overlooked urban spaces can play in supporting native pollinators, according to a statement released Tuesday by the University of Melbourne.
After adding native gardens, insect abundance was seven times higher and species richness was about double that of conventional grass-covered nature strips, according to the study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.
Insect pollinators such as bees, beetles and butterflies are vital to ecosystem functioning, yet many species are declining due to habitat loss and environmental change, said lead author Philippa Bell, a researcher at the university's School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences.
Bees showed the strongest response and were closely associated with the abundance and diversity of flowering plants, the researchers said, adding that butterflies and beetles also responded positively, although the effects were more variable.
Bell said nature strips, also known as road verges, were widespread across cities and offered an opportunity to create connected habitat for insect pollinators and other wildlife.
The researchers said the findings have important implications for local governments and policymakers seeking ways to improve biodiversity outcomes in urban environments.
