indicator species

What is an indicator species?

An indicator species is a species whose presence, absence, or relative abundance in an environment reflects the health or quality of that environment.

Why are indicator species important?

Indicator species are important because they can provide an early warning of environmental changes or problems, such as pollution, habitat destruction, or climate change.

What are some examples of indicator species?

• Lichens: Sensitive to air pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide.
• Amphibians: Indicate water quality and habitat health due to their permeable skin.
• Macroinvertebrates (e.g., mayflies, stoneflies): Used to assess water quality in streams and rivers.
• Birds: Reflect the health of various ecosystems, from forests to wetlands.

How are indicator species used in environmental monitoring?

Indicator species are used to:

1. Assess environmental conditions: By monitoring their populations and health.
2. Evaluate the impact of human activities: Such as pollution or deforestation.
3. Track changes over time: To understand long-term trends in environmental quality.
4. Inform conservation and management decisions: To protect and restore ecosystems.