The influence of urbanization and surrounding landscape on wildlife in natural areas

Urbanization is a leading driver in habitat loss and land-use change. As large swaths of natural areas are developed, conservationists and city planners set aside land for the protection of wildlife and the health of citizens. However, areas set aside for conservation are not immune to influence of surrounding land-use changes and other impacts associated with urbanization. This dissertation investigates how changes in the surrounding landscape influence wildlife communities in natural areas. First, I explore how increased levels of development and the increase in non-native species associated with this development influence songbird communities within a protected forest over time. Next, I investigate different measures of bird biodiversity within protected forests and highlight how these metrics vary with the size of the protected forest as well as the landscape surrounding the forest. Lastly, I highlight how the introduction of artificial light at night, a common disruption associated with urbanization, shifts arthropod communities in a natural forest. The work from this dissertation emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics occurring outside of protected and natural spaces and incorporating these dynamics into future conservation plans.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical reference