Charles H. Nilon is a professor in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. His research and teaching focus on urban wildlife conservation, urban ecology, and the human dimensions of wildlife conservation. Dr. Nilon is a co-director of three urban biodiversity synthesis projects, including the ""Urban Biodiversity Research Coordination Network"" (UrBioNet), and is co-president of the International Urban Biodiversity and Design Network (URBIO). Myla F.J. Aronson is an assistant professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Her research and teaching focuses on the patterns, drivers, and management of biodiversity in human dominated landscapes, particularly plant population and community dynamics in urban areas. Dr. Aronson is co-director of three urban biodiversity synthesis projects, including the ""Urban Biodiversity Research Coordination Network"" (UrBioNet), and serves on the Advisory Board for the International Urban Biodiversity and Design Network (URBIO).
The earliest roots of urban ecology lie in the study of wild and domestic organisms in cities. Nilon and Aronson show the depth and rigor of this research tradition, illustrate its crucial application to conservation of global biodiversity, point to the continued need and creative future for urban biodiversity studies. Steward T.A. Pickett, Distinguished Senior Scientist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, USA Old concepts of cities and nature being two separate worlds have been overturned. Studies of the close interplay of urban conditions and high biodiversity are yielding a new understanding of the structure of urban nature and its importance to the human experience. This book sets a new standard for explaining the ecological foundations of urban nature, the current state of knowledge, the role of human actions and management on city species, and a path forward for new research and new collaborations. Cities are expanding rapidly across the globe; this Handbook will be a guide to incorporating modern ecological perspectives to the design of healthier, more resilient urban landscapes and improving conservation of the rich urban biodiversity. Steven N. Handel, Distinguished Professor of Ecology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA