Barbara Barta

1 Introduction Freshwaters are among the most endangered ecosystems on the global scale, threatened by land-use changes, hydrological alterations, pollution, climate change and invasive species (Sayer et al. 2025; Tickner et al. 2020). Ponds are the most numerous aquatic habitats (Downing et al. 2006) and are unique due to their high biodiversity (Biggs et al. 2005; Oertli et al. 2005).

Abstract The rapid expansion of urban areas often leads to degradation, fragmentation, and loss of natural habitats, threatening biodiversity. While urban ponds might contribute substantially to the biodiversity of urban blue-green infrastructure, the role of garden ponds is still largely unkown. We lack a comprehensive understanding of how local habitat features, different forms of management, and urbanisation might impact the biodiversity of these habitats.

Abstract The rapid expansion of urban areas leads to loss, fragmentation, and degradation of natural habitats, posing a serious threat to biodiversity. While urban ponds might contribute substantially to the biodiversity of urban blue-green infrastructure, the role of garden ponds, one of their most numerous representatives, is still little known.