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Underrated Urban Wildlife: Can Street Animals in Cities Contribute to Sustainable Living Environments?

(Written by: Md Arifur Rahman)


Urban wildlife is an invisible component for most cities, that are mostly overlooked despite their unintentional contributions to achieve sustainability. Street animals in cities, often referred to stray or feral animals, are often associated with negative stereotypes, such as disease carriers, pests, or threats to public safety. Their potential benefits may be overshadowed by these perspectives, which may cause people to prioritize mitigating perceived threats over appreciating their ecological or social responsibilities. They provide some ecosystem services that could support achieving sustainability targets under "SDG 15: Life on Land", notwithstanding the challenges and concerns that exist.


Pest Regulation and Waste Management: 

Street animals, particularly stray dogs and cats may help control urban pest populations. This can indirectly contribute to waste management by reducing the presence of pests that thrive on improperly disposed food waste. For instance, feral cats can act as natural predators, helping control local populations of rodents like rats and mice. This form of biological pest control can reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting a more environmentally friendly approach.



Biodiversity Support:

Certain street animals can contribute to urban biodiversity by adapting to and surviving in human-altered environments. As an example, urban squirrels, such as the eastern gray squirrel, adapt well to city life. They contribute to urban biodiversity by participating in seed dispersal, which aids in the regeneration of vegetation in different areas within the city. While it's crucial to manage populations to avoid negative ecological impacts, the presence of adapted wildlife in urban areas may indicate a degree of ecological resilience.



Emotional Well-being and Quality of Life: 

Street animals may provide companionship for residents who interact with them. For some individuals, the presence of these animals can have positive effects on mental well-being, contributing to the overall quality of life in the community. Street animals can serve as a focal point for educational initiatives on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and zoonotic diseases. Raising awareness about the needs of animals in human well-being can contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable urban society.


Tourism and Cultural Value:

In some areas, street animals may become a cultural or touristic attraction. For example, Istanbul is known for its large population of stray cats. These cats are often seen roaming freely in the city's streets, markets, and historical sites. Many tourists are drawn to the charming and friendly nature of these cats. There are even guided tours focused on cat sightings. Cats have become a cultural symbol and are celebrated through art, literature, documentary, and social media. While it's essential to address the welfare of these animals, well-managed programs that showcase the coexistence of animals and humans can contribute to the cultural richness of a city.



It's important to remember that the existence of street animals also presents issues and worries with regard to ecological balance, animal welfare, and public health. Uncontrolled street animal populations can cause problems for the local fauna as well as for human-animal conflict and the transmission of illnesses. To address the issues and maximize possible benefits, comprehensive and humane management techniques are therefore crucial. Examples of these include immunization campaigns, responsible feeding programs, and spaying and neutering programs. In order to build resilient and peaceful urban settings, sustainable urban planning should give equal weight to the needs of human and animal populations.



 


 
 
 
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