Species richness and ecosystem services of tree assemblages along an urbanisation gradient in a tropical mega-city: consequences for urban design

We assess how tree species richness and ecosystem services vary along a tropical urbanisation gradient in a rapidly expanding mega-city (Bangkok, Thailand). We conduct tree surveys in 150 1 km cells selected by random stratification across an impervious surface cover gradient. In each cell, surveys were conducted at the centre (representing typical conditions) and in the largest patch of trees (assessing woodland retention impacts). We estimated trees’ contributions to i) carbon storage, ii) food production for people, iii) biodiversity support (production of food for frugivorous birds), and iv) economic value (assessed using regulations for using trees as collateral for financial loans). Surveys detected 162 species (99 natives) indicating substantial species loss relative to nearby natural forests. Despite this, and contrasting with typical patterns in temperate cities, tree species richness (including of natives) and ecosystem service provision is relatively stable across the urbanisation gradient. This finding has two important consequences. First, growing cities through high intensity developments that require less space may benefit regional biodiversity without compromising ecosystem services. Second, even the typically very small woodlands present in highly urbanised locations contribute to supporting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services; thus such woodlands require protection. Species richness is not strongly positively associated with most of our focal ecosystem services. Urban planners must therefore pay attention to both biodiversity and ecosystem services as these do not automatically accrue from each other, partly because non-native species contributed substantially to most ecosystem services except biodiversity support. Finally, trees provide substantial value as collateral for financial loans (averages of £643 ha at random locations and £2282 ha in wooded locations). Policies promoting such valuations may reduce tree removal and encourage tree planting, but the list of eligible species warrants revision to include additional species that enhance biodiversity support, ecosystem services, and resilience against future environmental instability.