Bioindicators and conservation

Some species or taxonomic groups are particularly sensitive to changes and impacts occurring in ecosystems. These species or groups, called bioindicators or biological indicators, reflect the state of conservation of ecosystems and, therefore, they are an important tool for detecting changes in the environment. Thus, the knowledge of the factors that interact with these bioindicators provides us useful information to improve the management of habitats and ecosystems.

The Conservation Biology Group has carried out several studies on specific bioindicators, such as the Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), an indicator species of mature forests that allows recommendations on sustainable forest management, or the vineyard bird community, that reflect the intensification of the agriculture and the climate change suffered during decades and provides some guidance on best agricultural practices for biodiversity.