Urban wildlife face unique welfare challenges from habitat fragmentation, novel hazards, and direct human-wildlife interactions that require targeted management responses.
Urban wildlife welfare exists in a complex space between wild and human-managed environments. These animals face hazards that have no parallel in natural settings — glass buildings, fast roads, toxic substances — alongside opportunities including supplemental food and reduced predation. The net welfare effects of urbanization vary by species and city design. Cities that invest in wildlife-friendly infrastructure — building glazing, wildlife corridors, reduced pesticide use — can support wildlife welfare alongside biodiversity conservation.