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<p>Tree cavities play a vital ecological role in urban areas by providing essential habitats and resources for a variety of animal taxa, including cavity-nesting birds, mammals, and insects, thereby contributing to urban biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. While most studies on cavity availability focus on forest habitats, little is known about their presence in urban environments. In cities, reduced tree densities, the management of tree branches for public safety, and the limited presence of tree-excavating species may all affect the availability of tree cavities. In this study, we asked three key questions: (1) What is the frequency of tree cavities across different habitats in Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India? (2) How are cavities distributed on trees species? (3) How do the characteristics of natural and excavated cavities differ across habitats? (4) What factors influence cavity availability? We surveyed 487 individual trees representing 69 species across five urban habitats, with the majority being native (62.31%). A total of 474 cavities were recorded in 260 tree individuals, predominantly in temple areas (60.34%) and residential colonies (22.78%). Natural cavities (67.67%) were more common than excavated cavities (32.33%), with natural cavities mainly found on the main trunk, while excavated cavities were more frequently located on primary and secondary branches. The characteristics of cavity-bearing trees did not significantly differ (<i>P</i> &gt; 0.05) from control trees, nor did they vary significantly across habitats. While cavity heights varied slightly across habitats, this was not statistically significant (<i>P</i> &gt; 0.05), and cavity height increased with tree size. Habitat was identified as a primary significant (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05) variable influenced cavity availability per site. Our research showed the potential of present trees in Indian small growing city particularly in temple areas and residential colonies, to enhance urban habitats and to promote the conservation of biodiversity including cavity nesters and excavators.</p>

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Tree cavity availability and distribution across habitats in Udaipur (Rajasthan), a small Indian City: implications for urban wildlife

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年4月16日

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  • Vijay Kumar Koli,
  • Rakesh Kumar,
  • Kanishka Mehta,
  • Satish Kumar Sharma

摘要

Tree cavities play a vital ecological role in urban areas by providing essential habitats and resources for a variety of animal taxa, including cavity-nesting birds, mammals, and insects, thereby contributing to urban biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. While most studies on cavity availability focus on forest habitats, little is known about their presence in urban environments. In cities, reduced tree densities, the management of tree branches for public safety, and the limited presence of tree-excavating species may all affect the availability of tree cavities. In this study, we asked three key questions: (1) What is the frequency of tree cavities across different habitats in Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India? (2) How are cavities distributed on trees species? (3) How do the characteristics of natural and excavated cavities differ across habitats? (4) What factors influence cavity availability? We surveyed 487 individual trees representing 69 species across five urban habitats, with the majority being native (62.31%). A total of 474 cavities were recorded in 260 tree individuals, predominantly in temple areas (60.34%) and residential colonies (22.78%). Natural cavities (67.67%) were more common than excavated cavities (32.33%), with natural cavities mainly found on the main trunk, while excavated cavities were more frequently located on primary and secondary branches. The characteristics of cavity-bearing trees did not significantly differ (P > 0.05) from control trees, nor did they vary significantly across habitats. While cavity heights varied slightly across habitats, this was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), and cavity height increased with tree size. Habitat was identified as a primary significant (P < 0.05) variable influenced cavity availability per site. Our research showed the potential of present trees in Indian small growing city particularly in temple areas and residential colonies, to enhance urban habitats and to promote the conservation of biodiversity including cavity nesters and excavators.