Identifying potential indicators of conservation value using natural heritage occurrence data.

摘要: Conservation planning based on the occurrence of rare species has been criticized as being too limited in scope to conserve biodiversity a whole. Conversely, indicator taxa may lack sufficient focus those greatest need conservation. An alternative approach is identify variety at risk that are associated with areas conservation value, which defined species-independent characteristics. We identified potential indicators value using data and independent information incorporated indices ecosystem integrity. propose taxonomically diverse group strongly exceptional in- tegrity, serve for further research by defining null model equally high integrity, then conducting random- ization tests noncompliant state Michigan, USA. Areas integrity selected criteria flag (1) secure biotic communities structural few exotic species, (2) natural subjected expert review, (3) contiguous relict forest interior, (4) unmodified wetland, (5) all these combined. determine spatial from Michigan's statewide Natural Heritage database. The include plants, insects, birds. Their identity distribution occurrences varies five scenarios, together broadly cover entire state. These risk, many occur throughout Great Lakes region, be used additional potentially monitor their ecological numerical methods we employ applicable Program databases North America parts Latin grow become representative distributions.