BACKYARDS OF THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF MARINGA (PARANA, BRAZIL)

Urban backyards have considerable potential for biodiversity conservation and the enhancement of food security. However, these spaces are poorly planned, there is little information on the diversity of flora present in the backyards of different social classes. We quantified and compared plant diversity of the backyards of two neighborhoods in the metropolitan area of Maringá (Paraná, Brazil), by calculating diversity indices, bivariate correlations and potential of plantations, and outline planning guidelines, with the goal of increasing the presence of woody vegetation strengthen food security and contribute to the conservation of biological diversity, including the preservation of endangered plant species.