In South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region (CFR), research into small urban centres as found in Stellenbosch, Somerset West, and Franschhoek has revealed the ecological opportunity of urban mosaics. These sites represent distinct and independent landscapes with the presence of vineyards, gardens, and nature reserves. The research found that the urban mosaics supported diverse insect pollinators which varied across gardens, agricultural zones, and wild spaces, each supporting unique communities.
Recent research conducted across these landscapes found that pollinator diversity was not confined to wild spaces. Instead, gardens and vineyards within the urban fabric also hosted surprisingly robust pollinator communities. Each land type—urban, agricultural, and natural—supported distinct assemblages, underscoring the ecological importance of maintaining a diverse urban matrix.
The study identified floral diversity as the strongest predictor of pollinator abundance. Even in more dense man-made contexts, a higher level of flowering plants, resulted in a higher pollinator count. This finding highlights a critical opportunity for urban planners: by increasing the abundance and variety of flowering plants, cities are able to mitigate some negative impacts of urbanisation and agricultural intensification. Enhancing floral resources in semi-urban agricultural zones and urban gardens could therefore be an opportunity to support ecological resilience.
As cities across Africa continue to grow, embracing green infrastructure that prioritises plant diversity can help support the future of pollinators. With targeted planting and habitat enhancement, the urban mosaics develop a biodiversity rich landscape, contributing to healthier, more resilient green cities.
Balogun, I., Pryke, J. S., Kehinde, T., & Samways, M. J. (2025). Improving an African urban mosaic for insect pollinators through increased floral diversity and better functional connectivity. Landscape and Urban Planning, 264, 105480.
