IngentaConnect Urban biodiversity in local newspapers: a historical perspective

Authors: Vuorisalo T.¹; Lahtinen R.²; Laaksonen H.³

Source: Biodiversity and Conservation, Volume 10, Number 10, October 2001 , pp. 1739-1756(18)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

Due to rapid urbanization the conservation and values of urban wildlife are becoming increasingly important study objects. Unfortunately, the lack of historical data makes it difficult to assess the effects of long-term urban land-use changes and human attitudes on local biodiversity. In this paper we show that old newspapers may in some cases provide useful historical data on both urban wildlife and local attitudes towards it. In the city of Turku, southwest Finland, the leading newspaper published 316 observations or reports on local urban mammals, birds and reptiles in 1890–1920, and in addition to these a lot of information on contemporary attitudes towards urban wildlife. At least 12 species of noncaptive mammals, 32 species of birds, and three reptile species were documented in newspapers. The newspaper data seem fairly reliable, and provide valuable information on the development of urban biodiversity. In the study period animals visiting urban areas were often persecuted, in which both adults and children (mainly schoolboys) participated actively. Birds were persecuted less frequently than mammals or reptiles. Some bird species, especially 'song-birds', were actively supported by winter-feeding and by constructing nest-boxes. According to newspapers local people were interested in local biodiversity, especially on phenological events, and benefited from it by getting esthetic pleasure, pet animals, and information on seasonal changes.

Keywords: attitudes; biodiversity; birds; Finland; mammals; newspapers; persecution; reptiles; urban ecology; values

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland (timovuo@utu.fi; fax: +358 2 333 6550) 2: Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland 3: Administrative Building, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$47.00 plus tax Refund Policy