Multidisciplinary Assessment of Urbanization Impacts on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability in Rapidly Growing Regions

Abstract

While the surge of global urbanization impacts ecosystem stability and the gradual decline of biodiversity in growing urban areas, these effects are seldom noted in ecological studies. In the context of increasing urbanization and its subsequent environmental impacts, this research uses a mix of geospatial analyses, ecological indices, and statistical modeling to assess the effects of urbanization. The study uses multi-temporal satellite images collected over 14 years (2010-2024) and records biodiversity from fieldwork, focusing on land-use transitions and changes in biodiversity. The study shows that built-up areas have increased by 17.7% and green areas have decreased by 17.5%, resulting in increased habitat fragmentation. The study of biodiversity determined that the Shannon Index of Diversity decreased by 25.4% (from 2.87 to 2.14), and the number of species decreased by 32.1%. Impacts of urbanization on ecosystems were reflected in decreases in resilience (21.7%) and stability indices, which, in turn, increased ecological decline and vulnerability. Urbanization and biodiversity remained strongly negatively correlated (r = -0.76). The study of urbanization determined an overall predictive accuracy (91.2%) for identified ecological concern areas, in which high urbanization was predicted. The study of urbanization showed that ecological systems declined under its pressure. Evidence-based policy that protects biodiversity and resilience systems in ecosystems in rapidly urbanizing areas is required for the accurate assessment of urbanization impacts.