In this study, we propose a new, easy-to-follow, integrated Index of Biotic Integrity (IBIint) which combines plants and birds to assess ecological integrity of tropical forest fragments.
Taking the Brazilian Atlantic Forest as a case study, we used the conceptual framework of the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), a multimetric approach, to assess the ecological integrity of eight small forest patches in a highly disturbed HML with different configurations and histories.
An index of biotic integrity (IBI) is a frequently used approach for assessing the ecological integrity of streams with fish and macroinvertebrates the faunal assemblages most commonly used as indicator taxa.
Using data from 84 intertidal sites in Auckland, New Zealand, we evaluated the suitability of two widely used measures of ecological integrity that were developed in USA and Europe, respectively: the Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) and the AZTI's Marine Biotic Index (AMBI).
They also introduce the concept of the Index of Biotic Integrity, which characterizes the ability of an environment to remain balanced and integrated into the specified ecosystem.
Therefore, this paper presents (i) the characteristics of ecological integrity, (ii) the spatial processes induced by anthropogenic stressors and (iii) an approach to develop a composite Regional Index of Ecological Integrity (RIEI).
This paper presents an advanced version of the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), a multimetric index to indicate ecosystem health.
Macroinvertebrate measures considered were the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI), Family Index of Biological Integrity (Family IBI), and Number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa (EPT taxa) and the fish measure used was the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI).
A Regional Index of Ecological Integrity can be a suitable approach for sustainable management of regional ecosystem.
We defined lakes in pristine condition as reference lakes and adapted a fish multimetric index of biotic integrity.
