Urbanisation of
Cemeteries

Within the serene confines of cemeteries, where solemn remembrance intertwines with eternal rest, lies a hidden sanctuary teeming with life.  These sacred spaces are unexpectedly rich in biodiversity, hosting a diverse tapestry of flora and fauna that flourishes amidst the hallowed grounds. 

 

A number of wildlife species, including birds, insects, and small mammals, can benefit from the habitat and food that trees, bushes, and other vegetation in cemeteries can offer.  Urban cemeteries may become more important for biodiversity protection as the globe gets more urbanised since they represent a common component of the green infrastructure in cities all over the world. Urban cemeteries may become more important for biodiversity protection as the globe gets more urbanised since they represent a common component of the green infrastructure in cities all over the world. Both decorative plants that were purposely planted and plants that spread on their own are included in the vascular plant flora in these locations. 

 

Cemeteries can serve as refuges for rare and endangered plant groups. Examination of the vegetation of a cemetery in Ljubljana (Slovenia), found that disturbances are frequent and intensive and that the vegetation is unique, highly diversified, and extremely thermophilic. It was found that 363 vascular plants, 72 lichens, and 26 bryophytes in the largest Jewish cemetery of Berlin, Germany, encompassing 10 protected plant species were present. Thematic examinations of cemeteries in different regions would be time to reveal which cemeteries have the most prominent role in conserving biodiversity.

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The significance of these habitats for animals is not well known, as there is limited historical and geographical information available. Researchers found that cemeteries had 3.4 times as many woodpecker-excavated cavities as urban parks. Trees in cemeteries tended to be larger, more decayed, and have more excavated cavities than those in parks, indicating that cemeteries have the potential to serve as refuges for primary and secondary cavity nesters and maintain a more diverse bird population. 

 

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is sometimes used by cemetery cultures to manage the local biodiversity. For instance, several Native American Indigenous societies have specific guidelines for using plants and animals found near cemeteries for ceremonial and therapeutic uses.