TREE DIVERSITY AND RESILIENCE IN BUCHAREST URBAN PARKS

Abstract

Urban parks are essential for maintaining biodiversity in cities. This study assesses the tree diversity and ecological resilience, and stress tolerance of species in five major parks in Bucharest: Herăstrău, Kiseleff, Tineretului, Cişmigiu, and Carol. A total of 125 species from 32 families were recorded, with the highest diversity in Cişmigiu and Carol and the lowest in Kiseleff. NMDS analysis revealed similar species compositions in all parks except Kiseleff, which was distinct. No significant correlations were found between species richness and park size or age, suggesting other factors, such as management, play a larger role. Species with higher tolerance to drought and air pollution are significantly more present in Bucharest’s parks, while pest tolerance shows no significant difference in their presence. The predominance of non-native species, particularly invasive ones in Cişmigiu and Tineretului, underscores the need for better management. ANOVA results confirmed significant differences in the distribution of non-native species categories, emphasizing the importance of targeted strategies to control invasive species and promote native biodiversity.