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Modeling urban wasp nest occurrences using 119 fire service reports, LiDAR, and hyperspectral imagery: The role of green spaces and structural factors

  • 0Spatial Ecology Lab, College of Bio-convergence, Dankook University, 119, Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31116, South Korea.
Journal of Environmental Management +

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March 6, 2025

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March 6, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Urban wasp nests have surged 4.23-fold in a decade, primarily in low-rise buildings near green spaces. Understanding these patterns is key for managing urban wasp populations and public safety.

Area Of Science

  • Urban Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Spatial Analysis

Background

  • Increasing wasp nest presence in urban areas poses ecological, economic, and public safety challenges.
  • Urbanization alters habitats, potentially favoring pest species like wasps.
  • Effective mitigation requires understanding the specific environmental factors driving wasp nest distribution.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To analyze the spatial distribution and environmental drivers of wasp nest occurrences in urban Gwacheon, South Korea.
  • To identify key factors influencing wasp nesting preferences in built environments.
  • To develop an integrated management strategy for urban wasp mitigation.

Main Methods

  • Integration of 10 years of fire service reports (2014-2023) with high-resolution LiDAR, hyperspectral imagery, and microclimate data.
  • Classification of nest occurrence types based on location (artificial, natural, subterranean structures).
  • Application of MaxEnt species distribution modeling to predict high-risk areas.

Main Results

  • Wasp nest incidents increased 4.23-fold over the decade, with most nests found in artificial structures, especially low-rise buildings (2-5m).
  • Proximity to green spaces (within 170m) was the strongest predictor, followed by building height and shadow relief.
  • Optimal nesting microclimates were around 37°C; extreme temperatures inhibited nest establishment.

Conclusions

  • Urban structural characteristics, particularly low-rise buildings, and proximity to green spaces significantly influence wasp nest distribution.
  • High-resolution spatial, ecological, and social data are crucial for proactive identification of high-risk urban areas.
  • An integrated management strategy combining spatial, ecological, and social factors is proposed for effective wasp mitigation and urban biodiversity conservation.