Towards a Regional Index of Biological Integrity: the Example of Forested Riparian Ecosystems

摘要: Our premise is that measures of ecological indicators and habitat conditions will vary between reference standard sites are impacted, these can be applied consistently across a regional gradient in the form Regional Index Biological Integrity (RIBI). Six principles proposed to guide development any RIBI: 1) biological communities with high integrity desired endpoints; 2) have biological, physical, or chemical basis; 3) should tied specific stressors realistically managed; 4) linkages geographic scales ecosystems provided; 5) standards used define target conditions; 6) assessment protocols efficiently rapidly applied. To illustrate how RIBI might developed, we show four integrative bioindicators combined develop for forest riparian Mid-Atlantic states: macroinvertebrate communities, amphibian avian avain productivity, primarily Louisiana waterthrush (Seirius motacilla). By providing reliable expression environmental stress change, help managers reach scientifically defensible decisions.