The impact of Urbanization on Wildlife

Abstract

Urbanization is one of the most rapid global environmental changes affecting natural ecosystems and wildlife. As cities expand, natural habitats are destroyed or fragmented, leading to reduced biodiversity, altered animal behavior, and increased human‑wildlife conflict. Urbanization also affects ecosystem functions, such as food webs and predator-prey relationships, often favoring generalist species over specialists. This paper reviews major impacts of urban growth on wildlife species and ecosystem processes, and it discusses strategies to mitigate negative effects through better planning, habitat restoration, and conservation awareness.