A novel tolerance range approach for the quantitative assessment of ecosystems

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2012-03, Vol.420, p.13-23
• Main Authors: Hearnshaw, Edward J.S., Hughey, Kenneth F.D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Applied ecology; Aquatic Organisms - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Ecosystem assessment; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Lakes; Minimum information management; New Zealand; Synecology; Tolerance range; Trout; Vulnerability
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.054

This paper develops a novel tolerance range approach that allows for the quantitative assessment of ecosystems with only a minimum amount of information. The quantitative assessment is achieved through the determination of tolerance range scores and indices that indicate the vulnerability of species. For the purposes of demonstrating the tolerance range approach an ecosystem assessment is performed on Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, a large shallow lake found in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. From the analysis of tolerance range scores and indices it was found that brown trout and lake-margin vegetation are the most vulnerable species of value to further degradation. This information implies that management actions should prioritize towards preserving these species to maintain all valued species along sustainable pathways. ► This paper develops a novel tolerance range approach. ► The approach uses only a minimum amount of information. ► It indicates the vulnerability of species by quantitative assessment. ► A shallow lake ecosystem in Canterbury, New Zealand was assessed.