A candidate vegetation index of biological integrity based on species dominance and habitat fidelity. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gara, Brian D.; Stapanian, Martin A.
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 50(2015)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Wetland -- Vegetation -- Index of biological integrity -- Diversity -- Dominance; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2014.10.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: The Ohio VIBI (OVIBI) for wetlands was compared with a new index (VIBI-FQ). OVIBI is based on 10 complex metrics; VIBI-FQ is based on 2 simple metrics. VIBI-FQ requires less field work and is easier to interpret. Unlike OVIBI, VIBI-FQ can be applied across all vegetation classes. Use of VIBI-FQ would make it easier to prioritize funding by agencies. Abstract: Indices of biological integrity of wetlands based on vascular plants (VIBIs) have been developed in many areas of the USA and are used in some states to make critical management decisions. An underlying concept of all VIBIs is that they respond negatively to disturbance. The Ohio VIBI (OVIBI) is calculated from 10 metrics, which are different for each wetland vegetation class. We present a candidate vegetation index of biotic integrity based on floristic quality (VIBI-FQ) that requires only two metrics to calculate an overall score regardless of vegetation class. These metrics focus equally on the critical ecosystem elements of diversity and dominance as related to a species' degree of fidelity to habitat requirements. The indices were highly correlated but varied among vegetation classes. Both indices responded negatively with a published index of wetland disturbance in 261 Ohio wetlands. Unlike VIBI-FQ, however, errors in classifying wetland vegetation may lead to errors in calculating OVIBI scores. This is especially critical when assessing the ecological condition of rapidly developing ecosystems typically associated with wetland restoration and creation projects. Compared to OVIBI, the VIBI-FQ requires less field work, is much simpler to calculate and interpret, and can potentially be applied to all habitat types. This candidate index, which has been "standardized" across habitats, would make it easier to prioritize funding because it would score the "best" and "worst" of all habitats appropriately and allow for objective comparison across different vegetation classes.