Open AccessEnhanced indicator species performance with increasing contextualization
Author(s) -
Bried Jason T.,
Fouts Tommi S.,
Jog Suneeti K.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
conservation science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4854
DOI - 10.1111/csp2.127
Subject(s) - indicator value , indicator species , contextualization , ecological indicator , environmental resource management , context (archaeology) , biodiversity , performance indicator , spatial contextual awareness , sample (material) , stratification (seeds) , wetland , environmental indicator , geography , ecology , environmental science , computer science , biology , habitat , ecosystem , business , remote sensing , interpretation (philosophy) , chemistry , archaeology , germination , chromatography , marketing , programming language , seed dormancy , botany , dormancy
Indicator species need context to perform optimally for conservation purposes. If indicator potential is context‐dependent, then indicators should improve with increasing spatial‐environmental stratification. We tested this hypothesis by hierarchically stratifying a species combinations matrix (plants and wetlands) using regionalization and site typology and analyzing class specificity and occupancy rate for indicators shared across strata. Performance of indicators collectively improved with increased sample stratification providing greater spatial‐environmental context. Carefully considered sample classification schemes could strengthen the value of indicator species for monitoring biodiversity loss, environmental change, and management progress. However, the better accuracy of context‐specific indicators will have to be weighed against the practical need for fewer broad‐based indicators.