Much like our bodies, our precious planet has a way of letting us know that something is wrong and it’s time to react or make a few adjustments, at the very least. Sort of like nature’s early warning signs for ecosystem change. A truly smart design, isn’t it?
While it can’t directly tell us there's a specific problem, it does send us a message. The only challenge on our end is to listen. And that’s not always easy.
But scientists have a way.
They simply observe the movements and behaviour of indicator species. Before we answer the question of what they’re trying to show us, let’s first focus on what they are.
What Are Indicator Species?
Indicator species, also known as bioindicators, are living organisms, both plants and animals, that tell us something about the current or future state of specific ecosystems thanks to their high sensitivity to environmental changes.
Researchers identify indicator species and monitor them to gather data about climate change as well as changes in pollution and more.
There are certain behavioural patterns to be identified here, which is why they’re being closely monitored in terms of their size, age, density, growth, reproduction rates and other factors.
And why? Because when a specific pattern is found, it often reflects the stress various environmental issues put on specific species. Pollution, habitat loss, climate change. That’s also how they try to forecast changes in the future as well.
This can work in more ways than one – their presence, absence, or abundance can all mean something drastically different. All three scenarios can be a message and tell us something very important about the state of our environment.
That’s why they’re crucial tools, both in monitoring habitats and managing ecosystems.
Invaluable Insights
With over 70% of indicator species being invertebrates, it’s quite clear that even the smallest organisms may be carriers of very important news.
Early Detection of Environmental Changes
Indicator species can detect subtle changes in environmental health that may not be immediately apparent through direct measurement. This early detection gives us enough space to react in time and think about the plan for future changes and to prevent any further degradation.
Cost-Effective Monitoring
Using indicator species can be more cost-effective than extensive environmental testing. Monitoring a few key species gives us some truly significant insights into the overall health of an ecosystem, reducing the need for broad-scale - and costly - high-end testing solutions.
Biodiversity Conservation
Monitoring indicator species can help us protect biodiversity. Healthy populations of indicator species often signify that other species within the ecosystem are also thriving. And that works both ways - their decline can signal broader ecological problems that may threaten other species.
Nature provides, as the saying goes, and in this case, it provides us with warning signals. All we have to do is pick up on them. The value of indicator species cannot be overstated here.
Types of Indicator Species
Now that we’ve got our definitions straight and understand how they work as well as why they’re so important, let’s work on some real-life examples. Nothing quite like it, right?
Spotted Owl
Spotted owls are also sensitive to ecosystem changes – but in a completely different way. They don’t build nests. Instead, they rely on old-growth forests because that's the environment where they can easily find fitting tree cavities or broken treetops. That’s their perfect house.
But with excessive logging and urbanisation, they’re left with no place to live. Their absence may be a sign of declining forest health.
Lichen
Lichen species are actually a combination of two – a fungus and algae. This symbiotic relationship makes for one of the best bioindicators (or biomonitors) of air pollution, especially excessive levels of nitrogen.
If they’re too high, the population of specific species is going to decline, whereas others, ones that are able to tolerate nitrogen well, are going to grow. That’s how we know the air quality is going downhill.
Salmon
Salmon is a unique type of fish for a simple reason. It’s anadromous. And what does this rather fancy term mean? It means they’re happy to live in the ocean and freshwater going back and forth between the two. In fact, their entire existence depends on the freedom to do so.
Unfortunately, with overfishing, damming, and habitat destruction, it’s getting harder and harder. This is why salmon can be good indicators of a decline in water and habitat quality.
Salamanders
These little lizard-like amphibians have highly permeable skin. They need to keep it moist at all times – their life literally depends on it. This is why any changes in air or water quality are going to affect them.
They’re extremely sensitive to drought and pollution, making them an extremely good indicator species.
There are other animals too that make good indicator species: scientists study river otters, frog populations, butterflies, to monitor environmental conditions the well being of an entire ecosystem.
Recent Indicator Events
Sometimes sending subtle signals is not enough, and when the stress becomes unbearable, we get a large-scale disastrous event. We’d like to go over two examples of that – one direct and the other seemingly harmless. Both deadly nonetheless.
Coral Bleaching
When corals bleach, it's like they're losing their life support system. They kick out tiny algae living inside them because of stress from things like pollution or too high water temperature. This makes the corals turn pale or white, which weakens them and makes them more likely to get sick or die.
For the environment, coral bleaching is a clear sign that something's seriously wrong. It shows that the oceans are getting too warm or too polluted for corals to handle.
Since coral reefs are crucial for ocean life and protect coastlines, bleaching tells us that marine ecosystems are under threat from climate change and our actions.
Jellyfish Bloom
This can happen because the conditions – like warmer water or more food – are just right for them. Jellyfish blooms are like a warning light for the environment. They show changes happening in the oceans and how different creatures are affected.
While jellyfish blooms are natural, they're happening more often in some places, which might be because of climate change or things people do.
This increase can have a hugely adverse effect on how marine life works together and even impact things like fishing and tourism near the coast. So, it’s clear – jellyfish can be an important signal of what's happening in our seas and why we should keep an eye on them.
Learning to Listen and Answer
When the planet’s talking – we should listen. It’s our home and as such – our collective responsibility. Let’s start making better choices today.
Waste segregation, reducing plastic use, investing in the right type of eco-conscious products like eco towels, whether bamboo or organic cotton towels, and high-quality sustainable clothing – all of this helps. Even if just a little, it’s better than doing nothing.
Brands like ours, we try to listen and do our part as well. With every purchase, you help clean the oceans.
Every single towel, diatomite bath mat or natural bath mat you get means 1 lb of plastic waste collected. Your life gets better with a quality product, and the planet is happier with one less thing to worry about; 1 lb at a time.
Finally, what are the indicator species trying to tell us? That climate is changing, and doing so at a rather alarming pace, especially in certain areas.
Events like coral bleaching, which have already occurred a few times, are disasters – and they don’t just happen.
Let’s try to listen more and react better. There’s a lot at stake as we try to prevent negative change to environmental conditions.
