All animals suffer detrimental consequences as humans innovate new modes of transportation, communication and manufacturing. As human advancements reshape the world, understanding the health of ecosystems becomes increasingly vital, and indicator species serve as key tools in assessing environmental conditions. Indicator species, an animal species specific to a habitat or ecosystem, allow humans to understand the conditions of an environment. These animals provide substantial information to researchers and scientists who study specific habitats and let scientists know if their ecosystem will remain healthy or decline toward a less sustainable life. Indicator species remain important because they maintain ecological health and increase biodiversity within their habitats. Unfortunately, these species tend to face extinction due to several anthropogenic reasons. Scientists believe that conservation efforts must become a focal point as humans continue evolving because indicator species help to support humans by regulating the environment.
“When we start introducing stressors in there, environmental stressors, then what happens is we start seeing the reduction of those indicator species, those indicator species are critical because even though on the outside, it still might be a sunny day, the trees are green, the lawn is nice and beautiful green without those indicator species, it means that we have an unhealthy environment and the ecosystem could collapse, meaning that the food chains and food webs that were important for that area are going to die out,” Zoology teacher Susan Aughey said.
Indicator species help maintain the ecological health, the “greenness” of cities and the human and environmental health of cities around the world. These species help maintain ecological health by teaching humans to understand what should occur in their environment so the animals and people in that area can live fulfilling lives. Without indicator species, researchers would need to further conduct experiments over extended periods. Experiments would disrupt the environmental processes of decomposition, photosynthesis and nutrient cycling, which stands as part of the ecohydrological process. Disrupting these processes will lead to the harm of animals and plants in habitats due to the decrease in biodiversity.
The West Indian Manatee, a marine indicator species, helps boost the ecological health of its environment, in the southeast U.S. and off the coast of Mexico. The manatee is classified as an endangered species because of boat collisions, habitat loss, cold stress and toxic algae which kill them or harm their environment. Their aquatic ecosystem relies on their nutrient cycling and consumption of aquatic vegetation. Manatees help balance their environment and contribute to the growth of food for other animals in their habitat by fertilizing marine plants.
By fertilizing the aquatic plants, these animals help aquatic animals such as seahorses, clams and crabs. The West Indian Manatee cycles nutrients through its waste, such as phosphate and nitrates, which allows these animals to thrive. Manatees also help the local cities surrounding their habitat by encouraging fish population growth. The growing fish population directly impacts fishermen by allowing them to gain substantial yields which accumulates heightened sums of money. With businesses thriving, these communities can sustain themselves and further advance their economy. Therefore, indicator species promote ecological health by positively impacting their environment.
“What makes indicator species so helpful is that they warn us about the environment. By watching these species, we can detect imbalances or disruptions in ecosystems before they spiral out of control. They help us understand if processes like nutrient cycling, water purification, or food chains are still functioning properly. Without these species, we would be guessing the state of our ecosystems, and the damage to them could be far more severe by the time we catch them,” magnet junior Logan Kirkland said.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the differences in species, genetics and ecosystems. Indicator species’ presence remains crucial to maintain the balance of natural environments and ensure the health of ecosystems for the well-being and success of all species around the globe and preserve biodiversity. Indicator species presence, absence or abundance in an environment reflects the overall health of that ecosystem.
In ecosystems with a healthy population of indicator species, maintaining processes like nutrient cycling, water purification and food chain balance become easier to maintain which contributes to ecosystem stability and productivity. Amphibians, such as salamanders, identify as keystone species and represent a common indicator species. Their sensitivity to changes in their environment, specifically water quality and differences in pH levels. Healthy populations of amphibians indicate a well-functioning ecosystem, while their decline can signal pollution or habitat degradation. Without amphibian species, ecosystems may become unbalanced, leading to a decline in biodiversity and total ecosystem function. Similarly, ecosystems without indicator species show vulnerability regarding environmental stressors, such as pollution or climate change, which may remain unnoticed until the damage becomes widespread and harder to reverse.
Humans significantly harm endangered species through various destructive activities, notably habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, over-exploitation and the introduction of invasive species. The expansion of agriculture, urbanization and deforestation leads to the loss of critical habitats, forcing species into fragmented areas where they struggle to survive. Industrial pollution and plastic waste lead to contaminated oceans and rivers, poisoning terrestrial and marine species. Climate change, driven significantly by human activities such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation, causes shifts in temperature, sea levels and weather patterns, which disrupt species’ ability to adapt.
To combat these alarming trends, current conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, stricter regulations and breeding programs. Protected areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves safeguard the natural habitats of endangered species worldwide. Legal frameworks, like the U.S. Endangered Species Act and international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), aim to regulate hunting and the trade of endangered species. Additionally, numerous breeding and reintroduction programs stay in place to restore species populations like the California condor and the black-footed ferret. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local governments, and indigenous communities also play critical roles in on-the-ground conservation activities.
Looking forward, future conservation efforts focus on integrated and large-scale solutions. Discussions around rewilding, which involves restoring ecosystems by reintroducing keystone species, gain momentum as humans realize the consequences of destroying the environment. Ideas also arise about incorporating climate change mitigation into conservation plans, such as developing climate-resilient corridors that allow species to migrate as temperatures rise. Innovative technologies, such as drones for wildlife monitoring and artificial intelligence for predicting poaching activities, provide additional ways to strengthen conservation efforts. Furthermore, a growing call for community-based conservation approaches that empower indigenous peoples and local communities. It encourages them to lead efforts to protect the biodiversity in their regions. These future strategies, combined with current efforts, provide hope in the ongoing battle to prevent the extinction of endangered species and preserve Earth’s biodiversity for future generations.
Indicator species prove vital to the health and stability of ecosystems worldwide, serving as natural monitors of environmental well-being. By reflecting ecosystem conditions through their presence, abundance, or decline, they enable researchers to detect signs of ecological imbalance. Species like the West Indian Manatee and Salamanders play essential roles in nutrient cycling, water purification and supporting food chains, all of which contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. However, human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution and climate change, pose significant threats to these species, emphasizing the need for effective conservation measures.
By protecting indicator species and addressing their environmental challenges, citizens not only preserve biodiversity but also promote sustainable ecosystems that benefit all species, including humans. As society progresses into the future, integrated conservation efforts, supported by innovative technology and community-based approaches, prove essential to protecting these species and maintaining the ecological health of the planet.
