The importance of cities in protecting imperiled species

Habitat loss and alteration from urbanization are key threats to biodiversity. Thus, municipal decisions around imperiled species have the potential to affect urban conservation. Using Canada as a case study, we analyzed the distribution of mapped critical habitats and range extents of imperiled species in large cities and metropolitan areas. Our analysis revealed that ~28% of species at risk of extinction in Canada, spanning nine taxonomic groups, had more than 75% of their mapped critical habitat in Canadian metropolitan areas and 14% of species were urban-restricted. To explore municipal engagement in biodiversity conservation, we assessed the consideration of imperiled species in publicly available plans and strategies for 42 of the largest Canadian metropolitan areas. Over half of cities (72%) mentioned imperiled species in biodiversity or official plans and approximately half of cities (52%) outlined actions for these species. While biodiversity conservation is one of many competing priorities in cities, given their significant overlap with critical habitat, cities can play a large role in protecting and increasing public awareness of imperiled species.