The selection of anthropogenic habitat by wildlife as an ecological consequence of rural exodus: empirical examples from Spain

The increasing urbanization of the landscape is a major component global change worldwide. However, it puzzling that wildlife selecting anthropogenic habitats despite availability apparently high–quality semi–natural (i.e. less intensively modified) habitats. Definitive explanations for this process are still lacking. We have previously suggested colonization urban habitat initially triggered by ecological processes take place outside areas as consequence past rural exodus. Here we present diverse array examples selection several types in Spain (including transportation infrastructure, human–exclusion areas, under construction, cities, reservoirs, quarries and landfills) support idea. Wildlife moving out its historical refuges losing fear harmless humans. Mesopredators rebounding mesopredator release, due to ceased human persecution, shrubs trees claiming former agricultural Together, these factors force many species move urbanized where they find open habitats, food associated with protection against predation. Hence, classical balance costs benefits takes once inside would actually be second step areas. A better understanding initial triggers could help us increase biological value human–made future.