长江生态考核指标: 基于被动声学监测的长江江豚数量

长江是复杂的生态系统, 但是随着长江生态环境的持续变化, 尤其是人类扰动所致的变化, 长江中的几种极其重要的大型物种先后因此而走向“灭绝”, 或“极可能灭绝”, 或“极度濒危”, 因此在现阶段有必要以现存于长江中的大型物种的生存状况为核心, 建立一项新的生态考核指标, 以综合表征长江生态系统的健康状况和生物多样性的完整性, 为“十年禁捕”和《长江保护法》的顺利实施提供科技支持。长江江豚(Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis)仅分布于长江中下游及洞庭湖、鄱阳湖, 是长江中极可能仅存的大型水生哺乳动物, 多年来一直受到社会各界的高度关注, 已成为长江“明星”物种。长江江豚种群分布和数量的变化与长江生态环境和鱼类资源的变化密切相关, 具有综合表征生态环境质量和生物多样性及其变化的基本属性。在复杂的水下声环境中, 长江江豚的声纳信号具有独特的时频特征, 具有较强的可监测性和可量化特征, 并且已被广泛应用于长江江豚的被动声学监测、实时识别和群体估算。同时, 在自然水域对长江江豚进行被动声学监测是一项方便和高效的工作。在沿江和沿湖设置一些样地水域, 布置水下声学仪器, 开展长期被动声学监测, 不但可以掌握长江江豚的分布规律、群体规模及其变化, 而且可以为定量分析样地水域生态环境质量和鱼类等水生生物的丰度提供可信的依据, 继而可以为定量评价所监测水域人类活动对生态环境及水生生物扰动提供长期数据支撑。因此, 基于被动声学监测的长江江豚种群数量, 可作为一项重要的生态考核指标, 用于定量评价长江生态环境质量和水生生物多样性及其在时间和空间上的变化, 并用于考核相关保护工作的落实情况和实际的保护效果。     

How do ecologists select and use indicator species to monitor ecological change? Insights from 14 years of publication in Ecological Indicators

Indicator species (IS) are used to monitor environmental changes, assess the efficacy of management, and provide warning signals for impending ecological shifts. Though widely adopted in recent years by ecologists, conservation biologists, and environmental practitioners, the use of IS has been criticized for several reasons, notably the lack of justification behind the choice of any given indicator. In this review, we assess how ecologists have selected, used, and evaluated the performance of the indicator species. We reviewed all articles published in Ecological Indicators (EI) between January 2001 and December 2014, focusing on the number of indicators used (one or more); common taxa employed; terminology, application, and rationale behind selection criteria; and performance assessment methods. Over the last 14 years, 1914 scientific papers were published in EI, describing studies conducted in 53 countries on six continents; of these, 817 (43%) used biological organisms as indicators. Terms used to describe organisms in IS research included “ecological index”, “environmental index”, “indicator species”, “bioindicator”, and “biomonitor,” but these and other terms often were not clearly defined. Twenty percent of IS publications used only a single species as an indicator; the remainder used groups of species as indicators. Nearly 50% of the taxa used as indicators were animals, 70% of which were invertebrates. The most common applications behind the use of IS were to: monitor ecosystem or environmental health and integrity (42%); assess habitat restoration (18%); and assess effects of pollution and contamination (18%). Indicators were chosen most frequently based on previously cited research (40%), local abundance (5%), ecological significance and/or conservation status (13%), or a combination of two or more of these reasons (25%). Surprisingly, 17% of the reviewed papers cited no clear justification for their choice of indicator. The vast majority (99%) of publications used statistical methods to assess the performance of the selected indicators. This review not only improves our understanding of the current uses and applications of IS, but will also inform practitioners about how to better select and evaluate ecological indicators when conducting future IS research.     

Divergent responses of flagship,keystone and resource-limited bio-indicators to forest structure

Bio-indicators are often proposed to set conservation priorities in forest habitat owing to the difficulties of determining forest intrinsic ecological value. Here, we tested the efficacy of a number of potential bird indicator groups in monitoring beech Fagus sylvatica forest status by analyzing their associations with the spatial and structural variables of forest vegetation that indicate key ecological patterns and processes. The density of cavity nesting birds, indicating the presence of limited forest resources (resource-limited indicators), was influenced by tree species diversity, vertical species mingling and diameter, parameters reflecting maturity, gap-dynamic processes, as well as resource and shelter availability. Heterogeneity in shrub species composition, another parameter depending on forest dynamics, was positively associated with the occurrence of Capercaillie, a “flagship” species for forest conservation. The presence of woodpeckers, a “keystone” group that provides shelter and foraging substrate to other organisms, was positively affected by the basal area of standing dead trees that is indirectly associated with natural nutrient availability. These findings suggest that single indicators fail to provide a complete assessment of forest status, and their use in monitoring or managing forest ecosystem need to be contextualized to specific ecological patterns. The combined use of several indicators, representing various taxa, functions and life histories, appears to be preferable, and is logistically feasible if these can be surveyed together. Several indicators would likely display a wider range of sensitivities to the modification of natural processes and permit more comprehensive tracking of forest dynamics than single flagship, keystone or resource-limited indicators.     

Sustainability indicator development—Science or political negotiation?

The efforts to develop sustainability indicators have strongly increased since the beginning of the 1990s, often led by intergovernmental processes. More recently, a number of sustainability indicator development processes have been initiated within large research projects that aim to design tools for sustainability assessments, funded by the European Union. The development of sustainability indicators provides a particular challenge to scientists, given the essentially normative dimension of the concept of “sustainability”. Thus, we argue, the development of sustainability indicators is a process of both scientific “knowledge production” and of political “norm creation”, and both components need to be properly acknowledged. Based on a respective theoretical framework and comparing five cases of sustainability indicator development processes (three science-led and two led by intergovernmental processes), we find that the political norm creation dimension is not fully and explicitly recognized in science-led processes. The paper concludes by discussing a number of implications for the design of sustainability indicator development processes, in particular with regard to participation and representation as well as adjustment of indicators over time.     

基于人为干扰度的盐城滨海湿地景观格局动态变化及响应

为了量化人类活动对盐城滨海湿地景观格局的影响,论文以盐城滨海湿地黄沙港东北侧至四卯酉河口岸段向南延伸4 km的区域为研究对象,基于景观格局指数、人为干扰指数和GIS等方法,利用1984—2020年的6期遥感影像数据,探讨了湿地景观格局和人为干扰度的动态变化及响应。结果表明:研究期间,研究区的自然景观面积总体上呈减少趋势,人工景观持续增长,不断向海推进,并逐渐取代自然景观成为研究区的主导景观;景观破碎化程度加剧,景观形状趋于规则,各斑块连接性减弱,景观多样性降低,但2013年后破碎化程度有减轻趋势;研究区人为干扰度在1984—2006年呈上升趋势,2006—2013年变化趋于平稳,2013年后干扰程度有所减轻;干扰重心由陆向海逐渐迁移,干扰贡献景观类型从耕地转为水产养殖塘。相对于研究区北部,南部区域的人为干扰度变化跳跃性大,中部核心区人为干扰则较为平稳;人类活动的干扰对研究区景观格局影响剧烈,不同程度的人类干扰对景观格局的影响程度也不同,且人为干扰过程与自然演替之间存在一定的对立性。研究表明,将研究区多年景观动态变化与人为干扰度相结合,可以很好地把握景观变化与人类干扰之间的关系,为盐城滨海湿地的管理、保护及海岸带生态环境可持续发展提供科学参考。     

基于人为干扰度的盐城滨海湿地景观格局动态变化及响应

为了量化人类活动对盐城滨海湿地景观格局的影响,论文以盐城滨海湿地黄沙港东北侧至四卯酉河口岸段向南延伸4 km的区域为研究对象,基于景观格局指数、人为干扰指数和GIS等方法,利用1984—2020年的6期遥感影像数据,探讨了湿地景观格局和人为干扰度的动态变化及响应。结果表明:研究期间,研究区的自然景观面积总体上呈减少趋势,人工景观持续增长,不断向海推进,并逐渐取代自然景观成为研究区的主导景观;景观破碎化程度加剧,景观形状趋于规则,各斑块连接性减弱,景观多样性降低,但2013年后破碎化程度有减轻趋势;研究区人为干扰度在1984—2006年呈上升趋势,2006—2013年变化趋于平稳,2013年后干扰程度有所减轻;干扰重心由陆向海逐渐迁移,干扰贡献景观类型从耕地转为水产养殖塘。相对于研究区北部,南部区域的人为干扰度变化跳跃性大,中部核心区人为干扰则较为平稳;人类活动的干扰对研究区景观格局影响剧烈,不同程度的人类干扰对景观格局的影响程度也不同,且人为干扰过程与自然演替之间存在一定的对立性。研究表明,将研究区多年景观动态变化与人为干扰度相结合,可以很好地把握景观变化与人类干扰之间的关系,为盐城滨海湿地的管理、保护及海岸带生态环境可持续发展提供科学参考。     

A new approach to species distributional indicators for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)

We propose alternative fish-populations spatial indicators for use in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Following Commission Decision 2010/477, we have applied two different spatial indicators to three fish populations with “slow type” life-history traits, i.e. slow growing like Helicolenus dactylopterus, or large bodied like Merluccius merluccius and Lophius budegassa. We tested their efficiency separately and combined. One of these indicators, the presence/absence of the population in sampling squares, had already been applied during the initial assessment of the MSFD in Spain. Another indicator, the geographical spread, is proposed here as a new monitoring tool for the MSFD in Spanish waters. The results demonstrate for the three populations analyzed that neither indicator was sufficient alone to describe the population spatial pattern or its evolution. Thus, the approach to implementing the MSFD indicated in Commission Decision 2010/477 is not sufficient to provide integrated information about the spatial behavior of the fish populations analyzed. Although numerical targets or threshold values cannot be set, directional targets could be proposed, based on the results of both indicators, if evaluation of them is extended to more species and more geographical areas. The analysis could be extended to other “slow type” populations within the fish community and also to different ecoregions. We propose an approach including the estimation of two different indicators to monitoring both the area occupied and the geographical spread of fish populations within communities, interpreting them together to generate a more complete picture of the spatial patterns of those populations. In spite of the difficulties in fixing numerical targets or thresholds, or in distinguishing between environmentally and human driven changes in the population spatial distributions, this approach helps to summarize fish spatial behavior. It improves information from the indicators applied alone and reduces the requirement for a large number of maps (except for some particular event or population). The proposed indicators can be readily used by managers and politicians.     

河口湿地人为干扰度时空动态及景观响应——以大洋河口为例

以大洋河河口湿地作为研究对象,利用1958年、1970年、1984年航摄影像(空间分辨率:2.0 m)和2008年SPOT5影像(空间分辨率:5.0 m)作为数据源,借助人为干扰度指数(HI)、景观格局分析、GIS空间分析方法,探讨大洋河河口湿地人为干扰度时空动态分异及景观格局指数的响应机制。结论:1)全干扰类型面积从1958年的4.16 km2上升至9.16 km2;半干扰类型从115.82 km2上升至180.57 km2;而无干扰类型面积从1958年的291.23 km2下降至221.13 km2,人为干扰度在不同历史时期呈非均质化变化,人类活动干扰中心逐渐由陆向海过度;围海养殖是人类干扰度变化的主控景观因子;2)在时间上,人类干扰过程(全干扰、半干扰)会导致斑块数量(NP)、边缘密度指数(ED)、平均形状指数(MSI)和面积加权的平均斑块分形指数(AWMPFD)总体在1958年—2008年间呈下降趋势;3)空间上,人为干扰度指数与景观格局指数空间分布相关性大小依次为:斑块数量(NP)边缘密度指数(ED)面积加权的平均斑块分形指数(AWMPFD),呈正相关,平均形状指数(MSI)与人为干扰度相关性不显著。     

Quantification Methodology of “Health Human Resources” Related to “Health Technologies” Based on Indicators “RhSan”, “TechSan” and “RhTech”: Application to Senegal

ObjectivesAfter a century of spectacular advances, healthcare systems are facing unprecedented crisis, linked to shortage of health human resources and health technologies. In fact, availability of care depends on both technological and human resources of health. The objective of this study is to develop indicators that can measure qualitatively human resources and technologies of health in healthcare facilities, in order to assess availability of care in sub-Saharan African countries.Materials and MethodsRegarding “health technology” related to “medical devices”, an indicator called “TechSan” for “Technologies de Santé” was previously developed and published (Ndione FB et al. (2019) [6]). To address the deficiencies in usual indicators related to health human resources, a second indicator called “RhSan” for “Ressources humaines de santé” in French is proposed. This indicator assigns a weight to each health worker taking into account his specific “level of medical knowledge” and “experience”. In order to correlate “RhSan” with “TechSan”, a third indicator called “RhTech” is also developed to assess matches between “health technologies” and “health human resources” and establish realistic availability of care. These indicators have the advantage to be consolidated by specialty such as laboratory, imaging, surgery, and “mother and child care”.ResultsThe application of TechSan, RhSan and RhTech to data collected in Senegal in 2016, enabled to assess the distribution of “health technology” and “health human resources” in this country. They also permit the mapping of care availability per specialty in Senegal. The results show a strong oversupply of Dakar in terms of both human resources and technologies of health compared to other Senegalese regions. Oppositely, Sedhiou, Kaffrine, Matam and Kédougou are poorly endowed showing limits of the Senegalese health pyramid system.ConclusionTechSan, RhSan and RhTech can provide reliable decision-making tools in order to elaborate health policies in sub-Saharan African countries on more rigorous basis.     

Indicating soil quality in cacao-based agroforestry systems and old-growth forests: The potential of soil macrofauna assemblage

Soil quality or health is a fuzzy concept that has been vigorously criticized due to the extreme variability of soil and the difficulty of linking soil indicators to soil functions and sustainability. In most soil quality studies some obvious factors or typologies are used as a basis to select the “best indicators” of soil quality, i.e. those that best explain the differences among the plots under study. This is not the case for a variety of natural or agro-ecosystems including the Talamanca cacao-based agroforestry systems (AFS), which present neither a pre-established typology nor a clear framework to evaluate their soil quality. This situation required a selection of indicators based on the literature that was oriented by the non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory. A framework was elaborated through full and minimum indicator sets of baseline soil physical and chemical indicators, along with macrofauna groups. A minimum set of four well-accepted abiotic soil quality indicators (bulk density, sum of bases, pH and carbon) was able to separate cacao AFS plots and forests into five distinct clusters along a low-to-high “soil quality” gradient. The AFS rated as “good” soil quality did not differ from the forest. Abundances of selected macrofauna groups were well correlated with these indicators and helped elucidate the soil quality clusters identified. In particular, high predator abundance indicated proper energy flow and confirmed the high abiotic soil quality, thus confirming the potential of macrofauna groups as apt soil quality indicators. However, these indicators need to be tailored to local conditions. Consequentially, cacao-based AFS in Talamanca are able to conserve soil and provide a high level of soil-related ecological services. Considering the soil an open system where the non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory applies successfully guided indicator selection and could help to reformulate the soil quality definition.     

Environment and sustainable development indicators in Lebanon: A practical municipal level approach

In close coordination and collaboration with the Lebanese Environment and Development Observatory at the Ministry of Environment, the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Balamand developed an action plan to “establish a decentralized environment and sustainable development monitoring network through local authorities using agreed upon environment and development indicators”. This effort was part of a pilot regional project involving six Mediterranean countries with funds provided by the Ministry of Environment, Greece through the University of Athens to establish a “Mediterranean Environmental Reporting, Monitoring and Information System” for Mediterranean countries. According to a well-defined selection process, a total of 44 municipalities out of more than 700 municipalities belonging to three unions representing three different regions in Lebanon qualified for inclusion in the project with 17 choosing to participate in MED-ERMIS-Lebanon. Meetings with concerned public officials at all levels were then held to ensure the support of all relevant governmental institutions and therefore the success of the project. Applying a participatory approach, local government officers and representatives from concerned ministries, universities, research centers and non-governmental organizations were invited to attend the different workshops at the municipality level to produce the appropriate lists of indicators. A total of 110 indicators were generated and grouped into four major categories adopted by the national indicator system: (1) population and socio-economics; (2) economic activities; (3) environment; and (4) sustainable development activities and policies. “Indicator data sheets”, a “door-to-door questionnaire” and a “municipality archive survey” were developed for data compilation, calculation, and presentation; and a total of 6250 surveys were filled (≈20%). Field surveying was carried out by trained teams using the “Multistage Cluster Systematic Random Sampling” technique and data entered for analysis. Data is being currently interpreted, and a user-friendly software application hosted on the University of Balamand web-site to facilitate the updating of indicators and the dissemination of indicator data on the World Wide Web has been developed allowing access to information by all interested parties.     

Analysis of historic changes in regional ecosystem service provisioning using land use data

Land use change has a major impact on goods and services that our environment supplies for society. While detailed ecological or biophysical field studies are needed to quantify the exact amount of ecosystem service supply at local scales, such a monitoring might be unfeasible at the regional scale. Since field scale monitoring schemes for ecosystem services or ecosystem functioning are missing, proxy based indicators can help to assess the historic development of ecosystem services or ecosystem functioning at the regional scale. We show at the example of the historic development (1964–2004) in the district of Leipzig/Germany how land use/land cover data can be used to derive regional scale indicators for ecosystem functions. We focus thereby on two hypotheses: (1) the ecosystem functioning has degraded over time and (2) changes in land use configuration play an important role in this degradation. The study focuses on indicators for ecosystem functions related to (i) water purification by riparian buffer strips, (ii) pollination, (iii) food production and (iv) outdoor recreation. Each indicator builds on the analysis of land use configuration and land use composition information and is tested on sensitivity/robustness with respect to parameters which had to be estimated based on expert knowledge. We show that land use composition is an important aspect in our ecosystem service assessment. Although our study region is faced with a maximum land use change of 11% in the major land use classes between 1964 and 2004, we see a decrease of ecosystem function indicators up to 23%. The regional assessment shows an overall trend for degradation of ecosystem functioning from 1964 to 1984. This trend is reversed between 1984 and 1994 but the process slowed down until 2004 without reaching the level of 1964.     

Challenges in integrating the concept of ecosystem services and values in landscape planning,management and decision making

Despite the growing body of literature on ecosystem services, still many challenges remain to structurally integrate ecosystem services in landscape planning, management and design. This paper therefore aims to provide an overview of the challenges involved in applying ecosystem service assessment and valuation to environmental management and discuss some solutions to come to a comprehensive and practical framework.First the issue of defining and classifying ecosystem services is discussed followed by approaches to quantify and value ecosystem services. The main part of the paper is focussed on the question how to analyze trade-offs involved in land cover and land use change, including spatial analysis and dynamic modelling tools. Issues of scale are addressed, as well as the question how to determine the total economic value of different management states.Finally, developments and challenges regarding the inclusion of ecosystem services in integrative landscape planning and decision-making tools are discussed.It is concluded that the ecosystem service approach and ecosystem service valuation efforts have changed the terms of discussion on nature conservation, natural resource management, and other areas of public policy. It is now widely recognized that nature conservation and conservation management strategies do not necessarily pose a trade-off between the “environment” and “development”. Investments in conservation, restoration and sustainable ecosystem use are increasingly seen as a “win-win situation” which generates substantial ecological, social and economic benefits.     

Development and comparison of stream indices of biotic integrity using diatoms vs. non-diatom algae vs. a combination

Stream algal indices of biotic integrity (IBIs) are generally based entirely or largely on diatoms, because non-diatom (“soft”) algae can be difficult to quantify and taxonomically challenging, thus calling into question their practicality and cost-effectiveness for use as bioindicators. Little has been published rigorously evaluating the strengths of diatom vs. soft algae-based indices, or how they compare to indices combining these assemblages. Using a set of ranked evaluation criteria, we compare indices of biotic integrity (IBIs) (developed for southern California streams) that incorporate different combinations of algal assemblages. We split a large dataset into independent “calibration” and “validation” subsets, then used the calibration subset to screen candidate metrics with respect to degree of responsiveness to anthropogenic stress, metric score distributions, and signal-to-noise ratio. The highest-performing metrics were combined into a total of 25 IBIs comprising either single-assemblage metrics (based on either diatoms or soft algae, including cyanobacteria) or combinations of metrics representing the two assemblages (for “hybrid IBIs”). Performance of all IBIs was assessed based on: responsiveness to anthropogenic stress (in terms of surrounding land uses and a composite water-chemistry gradient) using the validation data, and evaluated based on signal-to-noise ratio, metric redundancy, and degree of indifference to natural gradients. Hybrid IBIs performed best overall based on our evaluation. Single-assemblage IBIs ranked lower than hybrids vis-à-vis the abovementioned performance attributes, but may be considered appropriate for routine monitoring applications. Trade-offs inherent in the use of the different algal assemblages, and types of IBI, should be taken into consideration when designing an algae-based stream bioassessment program.     

Forest ecosystem inventory and monitoring as a framework for terrestrial natural renewable resource survey programmes

ABSTRACT

The established practice of forest ecosystem inventory and monitoring is recognised as a main support for terrestrial natural renewable resource survey programmes. Inventory and monitoring programmes focused on an overall assessment of ecosystem attributes evolving into global environmental survey programmes have been devised, but implementation is still quite contradictory. The state-of-the-art is discussed here, with special reference to the European Union and Italy. Topical issues are reviewed, with selective concern to: remote sensing capability, probability sampling, forest type (habitat) classification and landscape ecology, sustainable management indicators. Benefits brought by information technology are highlighted. Its development and the implementation of approaches based on a sound “per habitat” landscape ecological perspective will bring unique benefits, thus leading to an effective integration among sector surveys aimed at global environmental inventory/monitoring.     

浙江西门岛湿地景观格局与人为干扰度动态变化

基于西门岛湿地2007和 2010年两期SPOT 5影像(空间分辨率均为5 m)数据,结合西门岛湿地土地利用现状,参考《全国土地利用分类》（试行）、海域使用分类海洋行业标准以及综合考虑遥感数据特性,建立西门岛湿地人为干扰类型分类系统;应用景观格局指数法、GIS空间分析法,得到景观指数和人为干扰度指数,探讨了西门岛湿地景观格局与人为干扰度动态变化.结果表明: 研究期间,西门岛湿地景观异质性、破碎度和优势度降低,景观形状复杂度降低.西门岛湿地人为干扰中心由分散发展到集中;干扰中心主要贡献景观类型是裸地和居民点;干扰总程度由海域向陆地逐渐加重,居民点、码头、交通用地干扰总程度最高.滩涂养殖、泥滩地、浮筏养殖景观的人为干扰度跳跃性大.水陆交错带出现干扰总程度较低但干扰极不平稳的现象.无干扰、半干扰和全干扰型景观的斑块数量下降.无干扰、半干扰景观的平均斑块面积增加,全干扰景观的平均斑块面积减少.无干扰景观的平均形状指数下降,半干扰型和全干扰型景观形状有复杂化趋势.     

Bryophytes as indicators of ancient woodlands in Schleswig-Holstein (Northern Germany)

Ancient woodlands, with their long ecological continuity, frequently harbor a high number of typical, rare and threatened species, and are therefore of particular importance for nature conservation. To pinpoint these habitats, a common application is the use of plants as “ancient woodland indicators”. The occurrence of these particular species allows for evaluating the continuity of woodland cover in time. While lists of ancient woodland vascular plants have been derived for many regions, the identification and use of bryophytes as ancient woodland indicators has been widely neglected. This is a bit surprising because certain woodland bryophytes are very sensitive to varying environmental conditions or changes in land management. It therefore appeared promising to compile an ecologically grounded list of ancient woodland indicator bryophytes for practical use.In this study, we present a set of ancient woodland indicator bryophytes based on the analysis of datasets from the North German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein. To compile this list, we systematically evaluated the bryophyte distribution data from floristic surveys in relation to ancient woodland cover data from state-wide inventories. In this way, we were able to determine ancient woodland bryophytes using consistent and repeatable statistical methods.The presented list of 31 ancient woodland indicator bryophytes is ecologically sound and corresponds well with data from the sparse literature. We could distinguish two groups of ancient woodland indicator bryophytes. The first group is linked to base-rich, semi-natural deciduous woodlands with high soil and air humidity. The second group comprises acidophilic bryophytes that occur not only in acidic beech and oak woods, but also in acidic mixed or coniferous forests on ancient woodland sites. Apart from the ancient woodland indicator bryophytes, we could identify one group of recent woodland bryophytes and four groups of bryophytes that are more or less indifferent with respect to woodland continuity.Finally, we provide recommendations for the application of ancient woodland indicator bryophytes in nature conservation practice. Management suggestions for the conservation of the typical bryophyte diversity of ancient semi-natural woodlands are also given.     

Remotely-sensed indicators for monitoring the general condition of “natural habitat” in watersheds: an application for Delaware’s Nanticoke River watershed

Over the past two decades there has been increasing interest in developing indicators to monitor environmental change. Remote sensing techniques have been primarily used to generate information on land use/land cover changes. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has used this technology to monitor wetland trends and recently developed a set of remotely-sensed indicators to characterize and assess trends in the integrity of natural habitat in watersheds. The indices largely focus on the extent of “natural” cover throughout a given watershed, with an emphasis on locations important to fish, wildlife, and water quality. Six indices address natural habitat extent and four deal with human-caused disturbance. A composite index of natural habitat integrity combining the habitat extent and habitat disturbance indices may be formulated to provide an overall numeric value for a watershed or subbasin. These indices facilitate comparison between watersheds (and subbasins) and assesssment of trends useful for environmental monitoring. This paper describes the indices and presents an example of their application for characterizing and assessing conditions of subbasins within Delaware’s Nanticoke River watershed.     

External shocks,agent interactions,and endogenous feedbacks — Investigating system resilience with a stylized land use model

Dynamics of coupled Social-Ecological Systems (SES) result from the interplay of society and ecology. To assess SES resilience, we constructed an Agent-Based Model (ABM) of a land use system as a stereotypical example of SES and investigated how resilience of the represented system is affected by both external disturbances and internal dynamics. The model explicitly considered different aspects of resilience in a framework derived from literature, which includes “resilience to”, “resilience of”, “resilience at”, “resilience due to”, and “indicators of resilience”. External disturbances were implemented as shocks in crop yields. Internal dynamics comprised of two types of social interaction between agents (learning and cooperation), an ecological feedback of soil depletion and an economic feedback of agglomeration benefits. We systematically varied these mechanisms and measured indicators that reflected spatial, social, and economic resilience. Results showed that (1) internal mechanisms increased the ability of the system to recover from external shocks, (2) feedbacks resulted in different regimes of crop cultivation, each with a distinctive set of functions, and (3) resilience is not a generic system property, but strongly depends on what system function is considered. We recommend future studies to include internal dynamics, especially feedbacks, and to systematically assess them across different aspects of resilience.     

Use of terrestrial invertebrates for biodiversity monitoring in Australian rangelands,with particular reference to ants

Abstract Taken literally, the aim of biodiversity monitoring is to track changes in the biological integrity of ecosystems. Given the overwhelmingly dominant contribution of invertebrates to biodiversity, no biodiversity monitoring programme can be considered credible if invertebrates are not addressed effectively. Here we review the use of terrestrial invertebrates, with a particular focus on ants, as bioindicators in Australia in the context of monitoring biodiversity in Australia's rangelands. Ant monitoring systems in Australia were initially developed for assessing restoration success following mining, and have since been applied to a wide range of other land‐use situations, including grazing impacts in rangelands. The use of ants as bioindicators in Australia is supported by an extensive portfolio of studies of the responses of ant communities to disturbance, as well as by a global model of ant community dynamics based on functional groups in relation to environmental stress and disturbance. Available data from mining studies suggest that ants reflect changes in other invertebrate groups, but this remains largely undocumented in rangelands. The feasibility of using ants as indicators in land management remains a key issue, given the large numbers of taxonomically challenging specimens in samples, and a lack of invertebrate expertise within most land‐management agencies. However, recent work has shown that major efficiencies can be achieved by simplifying the ant sorting process, and such efficiencies can actually enhance rather than compromise indicator performance.