Lesson 4

Indicator Species

What are Indicator Species?

Indicator species are animals, plants or microorganisms that are used to monitor changes in our environment or in a particular habitat.

They can tell us about the impact of pollution on an ecosystem or how well a damaged environment is being managed or restored.

If a chosen indicator species declines in numbers or health, it is a sign to look for harmful or damaging influences such as soil contamination, air or water pollution, habitat destruction or climate change.

Besides being sensitive to change, indicator species need to be representative of the other organisms in the ecosystem, easily observable and able to be sampled, and they should react consistently to environmental changes. Some examples of organisms used as indicated species are...plants, algae, fungi, amphibians, fish, birds and mammals.

Let's take a look at a few indicator species that scientists have identified in the Eastern and Southeastern part of the United States (in our general area).

The Hooded Warbler