Indicator Species

Indicator species are species which indicate the general health of an environment. They are an important tool for conservation, as they provide researchers and policy makers with an indication of the ecosystem health of an area and thus inform decisions about how best to protect and manage an environment. Indicator species can be plants, animals, fungi, or microorganisms, and can be used to detect environmental impacts as well as changes in climate or land use. Indicator species can also serve as a warning system for pollution or other events that could alter the health of an ecosystem. By monitoring indicator species, it is possible to detect early signs of degradation and act to prevent further harm to a particular environment.