The effects of surface water availability and vegetation density on animal biodiversity in an urban riparian ecosystem

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Nikhil Nayee, Michael Bogan and Alexandra Burnett, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, Nikhil Nayee, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program Collaborative (DDCSP), Nikhil Nayee, ESA Seeds Program

Background/Question/Methods:
In urban environments, humans frequently alter natural environments, including the rivers and streams that flow through cities. Urban development in Tucson (Arizona, USA) has caused the drying and channelization of the Santa Cruz River and its riparian ecosystem. Recently, water flow has been restored in some portions using treated wastewater (effluent) while other portions have experienced large-scale removal of built-up sediment to minimize the chances of urban flooding. The goal of this study was to evaluate animal biodiversity in relation to the availability of surface water and riparian vegetation density across 15 sites in the city. We deployed wildlife cameras at each site and recorded the animal species captured on each camera. In order to measure biodiversity across each of these sites, I analyzed species diversity from camera data and quantified how it related to distance to surface water and vegetation density (as calculated with line transect data and canopy cover).
Results/Conclusions:
I predicted that there would be a higher species diversity in the riparian corridors with denser vegetation and more surface water. According to preliminary findings, coyotes (Canis latrans) and cottontails (Sylvilagus audubonii) are the most common species across all sites and are most common in dry areas with low surface water and vegetation density. However, sites with surface water and moderate vegetation density have greater levels of biodiversity and tend to attract unique species such as raccoons (Procyon lotor), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), javelina (Pecari tajacu), and bobcats (Lynx rufus). The final results of this study will provide valuable information about how river channel alteration, flood control, bulldozing, and riparian vegetation affect animal biodiversity in urban riparian ecosystems.