Diversity and Distribution of Forageable Tree Species Across Green Space Types in Fast-Growing City in India: Lessons from Nagpur, India

Urban Foraging in the Changing World所収
Chapter: Chapter 8
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Foraging is collecting wild food in natural areas and is common across urban areas worldwide. However, research on urban foraging has mainly focused on developed countries in the northern hemisphere, and there is insufficient information available from rapidly urbanizing cities of India. The study potentially supports urban foraging in fast-growing urban areas, by providing insights about the relevance of urban green spaces (UGSs) in supporting and strengthening human-nature interactions. The study uses a case study approach following field surveys to investigate the urban foraging potential of UGSs in Nagpur, India, by documenting plant species diversity, richness, their functional attributes, and usage value of trees under different UGS classes. Our findings reveal that the UGS in the study city is rich in plant diversity but varies among different UGS classes. A high diversity of foraging species was recorded from the avenue trees, while there is a need to improve it along water courses, public parks, as well as gardens, playgrounds, and urban forests. Our findings indicate towards dominance of native foraging species such as Azadirachta indica, Ficus religiosa, Ficus benghalensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Alstonia scholaris, Bauhinia variegata, and Mitragyna parvifolia, which have potential for foraging for various purposes. The UGS managers should consider growth rate, resistance to drought and pollution, and high usage value especially edible and foraging followed by functional attributes when selecting species for plantation. The study attempts to investigate urban trees in different UGS typologies in Nagpur systematically to explore their foraging potential. Further research is recommended to explore who engages in foraging activities, what they forage for, the ecology of UGSs that support foraging activities, and the characteristics of foraged plants.

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