Exploring the ecological impacts of high-speed rail on urban avian biodiversity

Abstract

This paper examines the ecological impact of high-speed rail (HSR) on urban avian biodiversity in China, using data on cumulative bird species richness from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Our research sample consists of 297 cities at the prefecture level in China from 2001 to 2019. We analyze the annual increase in bird species relative to the country as the main dependent variable. The staggered difference-in-difference estimates reveal a significant decline in the attraction of new bird species following HSR opening, particularly in the eastern region and populous cities. Negative ecological effects are most prominent during the construction phase, but diminish as HSR services commence. Our study holds implications for urban planning, as it provides valuable insights into the ecological effects of HSR, aiding in the preservation of biodiversity during transportation planning.