Effectiveness of public gardens on the insect diversity of green roofs

Abstract Rapid urbanization is among the factors, causing decrease in insect diversity. However, by offering suitable habitat, green roofs could lessen such adverse effects of urbanization. Certain factors, like a nearby public garden could be useful predictor variables to analyze at what extent green roofs can support insect communities. The aim of the study was to measure the insect diversity on intensive green roofs located close to public gardens, and more isolated green roofs within an urban setting. Insect species richness, abundance and assemblages were different on the green roofs close to public gardens compared to isolated green roofs. We can conclude that green roofs near a public garden will host more species, especially pollinators, consequently lessens urbanization's negative effect. Establishing a green roof at the right location would probably enhance biodiversity conservation in an urban setting. To properly understand how landscape factors impact insect communities on green roofs, future studies on green roofs should take public gardens into consideration.