The significance of habitats as indicators of biodiversity and their links to species

► Habitats can be direct policy indicators. ► Many taxa from different groups are associated with habitats. ► Consistent habitat mapping at a defined scale is necessary for resource assessment. ► Species are linked to European Environmental Zones. The first section of the paper discusses the backgro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecological indicators 2013-10, Vol.33, p.19-25
Main Authors: Bunce, R.G.H., Bogers, M.M.B., Evans, D., Halada, L., Jongman, R.H.G., Mucher, C.A., Bauch, B., de Blust, G., Parr, T.W., Olsvig-Whittaker, L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
agricultural landscapes
biodiversity
cover
ecosystem services
ecosystems
europe
European Union
genetic variation
Habitat definition
habitats
issues and policy
landscapes
Policy
Spatial models
Species/habitat association
Standardised mapping
statistical analysis
stratification
vegetation
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Summary:► Habitats can be direct policy indicators. ► Many taxa from different groups are associated with habitats. ► Consistent habitat mapping at a defined scale is necessary for resource assessment. ► Species are linked to European Environmental Zones. The first section of the paper discusses the background to the use of habitats as indicators for biodiversity including a discussion of the range of definitions that have been used. Habitats can now be recorded consistently across Europe at different time intervals in order to estimate stock and change as an indicator of biodiversity that is efficient and relatively easy to record. Habitats are considered to be the third level in a hierarchy with biomes and landscapes as higher categories and vegetation, species and genetic diversity as lower levels. An advantage of using habitats is that many other taxa are associated with them and examples are given from the literature. Examples are also given of the association between habitats and species in European Environmental Zones using expert judgement. Statistical analysis using a range of procedures can also be used to assess the association between species and habitats. Reliable data on the extent, status and changes in European habitats is essential for policy makers across the European Union and would also be important for promoting species conservation.
ISSN:1470-160X
1872-7034
DOI:10.1016/j.ecolind.2012.07.014