A meta-analysis indicates reduced predation pressure with increasing urbanization

Urbanization is one of the most important global trends which causes habitat reduction and alteration which are, in turn, the main reasons for the reduced structural and functional diversity in urbanized environments. Predation is one of the most important ecological functions because of its community-structuring effects. According to previous studies effects of urbanization on predation rates appear inconsistent. Predator species are vulnerable to habitat alteration and loss caused by urbanization, therefore, we hypothesised that predation rate would decrease along the rural-urban gradient. To clarify the impact of urbanization on predation, we performed a meta-analysis on predation rates in rural vs. urban areas using published data of 25 studies. Predation rates on taxa other than birds were underrepresented, preventing an overall evaluation. Reported predation rates on birds were significantly higher in rural than in urban habitats.