DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.2.5230
Review article
Urban green infrastructure for insect functional diversity and standardised monitoring under global change
2026, 27 (2) p. 429-451
Darija LEMIC, Sandra SKENDZIC, Helena VIRIC GASPARIC, Ivana PAJAC ZIVKOVIC
Abstract
Insects represent a fundamental component of biodiversity and play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning through pollination, biological pest control, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil formation. However, increasing evidence indicates widespread declines in insect abundance and diversity driven by climate change, habitat fragmentation, urbanisation, and intensive land use. This review synthesises current knowledge on the role of urban ecosystems and ecological infrastructure in supporting entomofaunal biodiversity. Urban green infrastructure contributes to entomofauna conservation through structurally complex vegetation, flower-rich habitats, native and drought-tolerant plant species, wildlife-friendly design, and water-related features, all of which enhance habitat availability, ecological connectivity, and functional biodiversity. The assessment of such systems is based on a broad spectrum of entomofauna monitoring methods, including traditional techniques such as the use of visual, food-based or sexual attractants, as well as molecular, digital, and automated approaches, including smart traps, computer vision, acoustic monitoring, and radar-based systems. The integration of the “citizen science” approach further expands spatial and temporal data coverage while strengthening connections between scientific research and society. By bringing these elements together, this review provides a coherent basis for integrated and multidisciplinary strategies that link ecological infrastructure, standardised long-term monitoring, biodiversity-friendly management, and public engagement, thereby supporting the maintenance of functional and resilient ecosystems under ongoing global change.
Keywords
ecological infrastructure, ecosystem services, entomofauna monitoring methods, functional biodiversity, urban ecosystems
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