Eleanor Diamant

Congratulations to Dr. Elie Diamant, who for publishing The importance of biome in shaping urban biodiversity in the upcoming issue of Trends in Ecology and Evolution.

Abstract: Urbanization in dryland cities is reshaping biodiversity in exciting and unexpected ways. Unlike temperate regions, where urbanization often leads to biodiversity loss, dryland cities tend to support higher species richness, thanks to unique factors like irrigation and greenspaces. These areas can foster an abundance of non-native species while also nurturing native ones in distinct urban patches, such as green, gray, and yellow spaces. What’s more, socioeconomic factors play a pivotal role in shaping these patterns, with local and global influences impacting species composition. This research highlights the importance of considering biome-specific dynamics when managing urban biodiversity, offering a promising direction for future conservation and urban planning strategies.