Indicator Species and Ecosystem Health

BY ALEXANDER SMITH EIS NATURALIST

Much like nurturing a friendship, a relationship with the forest requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to get your feet wet occasionally. As a naturalist lucky enough to spend most days adventuring out in nature, I've noticed that as you spend more time immersed in its depths, the forest begins to reveal its finer secrets.

Here on Vancouver Island, we experience significant seasonal changes, from cold, wet winters to increasingly hot summers. However, by taking a daily walk in the woods, some of the more subtle signs of change become apparent: the first buds of spring, the arrival of migratory bird species, and the delicate balance of ecosystems responding to shifts in climate.

Lichen are sensitive to air quality and forest structure. Their presence can indicate areas that should be protected to maintain ecological balance.

Photo submitted.

For many nature enthusiasts at home, whether gardening or walking to work, changes in the environment are often indicated by one particular species. The first noisy Rufous hummingbird of spring, whose arrival is timed with the blossoming of flowering salmonberry plants, may remind you to take your winter hat off. In late spring, the highway of increasingly active Western thatching ants patrolling the edges of your porch in search of food may push you to clean out the garage or tend to the vegetable patch. These plants and animals, known as indicator species, serve as nature's calendar, marking the transitions of seasons and the ecological movement within our ecosystem.

In forests across the island, indicator species often provide early warning signals of environmental changes or degradation. For example, the presence or absence of specific amphibians, such as the Western Toad or the Red-legged Frog, can indicate changes in water quality and habitat integrity. These amphibians are sensitive to pollutants and changes in water temperature, making them reliable indicators of ecosystem health. The presence of other species helps gauge the biodiversity levels within a forest.

On Vancouver Island, species like the Northern Goshawk or the Marbled Murrelet are used as indicators of old-growth forest conditions. These birds require large tracts of undisturbed forest for nesting and foraging. Their presence signifies a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem that supports various other species. Conversely, their absence can signal habitat loss or degradation, prompting forest managers to take restorative actions.

Here at Wildwood, sustainable forest management is a cornerstone of Ecoforestry. Indicator species can guide the development and implementation of sustainable practices. For instance, the presence of lichen species, which are sensitive to air quality and forest structure, can inform logging practices. Certain lichens thrive only in undisturbed, mature forests. Their presence can indicate areas that should be protected from logging to maintain ecological balance. This approach helps create a mosaic of protected, interlinked, and sustainably managed areas, ensuring long-term forest health and productivity.

Indicator species play a crucial role in guiding sustainable forest management practices. They provide valuable insights into ecosystem health, inform conservation strategies, and help monitor climate change impacts. By integrating indicator species into Ecoforestry practices, Wildwood's forest managers achieve a balance between ecological integrity and timber production, ensuring the long-term health and resilience of forest ecosystems on Vancouver Island.