Canada Research Chair in Integrative Wildlife Conservation, Dr. Dennis Murray explains how greenspaces in cities and suburbs are the ideal habitat for wildlife
Fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less industrial development. Is the pandemic paving the way for a more wild life in urban areas in the long-term?
Across Canada, wildlife including coyotes, have been spotted in backyards and suburban streets as people spend more time at home due to pandemic-related lockdowns. Many are wondering if this is an outcome of our pandemic inactivity, and whether these changes are here to stay.
Dr. Dennis Murray, associate professor of Biology and Canada research chair in Integrative Wildlife Conservation, recently interviewed by CBC’s Quirks & Quarks, notes that coyotes in urban areas is not new, but that the species is adaptable “It’s been a longer-term phenomenon, but it’s been, I would say, more aggravated in the last 20 or so years.”
Climate change, a lack of predators and more greenspace in urban landscapes are all contributing factors to the rapid rise in urban coyote populations.
“Coyotes are an extremely plastic species that’s well adapted to colonizing these new environments that we’ve created, such as urban-suburban green spaces,” explained Professor Murray. “They can adjust to different habitats, different species, and that’s allowed them to colonize these new areas.”
As for other wildlife activity? Like many of the environmental benefits, these could be a short-term impact of the pandemic.
How coyotes have managed to find success in the city like no other predator
Apr. 9, 2021
Source: CBC
