Indicator 1.08 Population Levels of Selected Representative Forest-Associated Species to Describe Genetic Diversity, 2017
| Authors: | Michael Knowles, Mark D. D. Nelson |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Other |
| Station: | Southern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.2737/FS-Indicator-1.08-2030 |
| Source: | FS-Indicator-1.08-2030. Washington, DC: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington Office. |
Abstract
This indicator provides information on the population status of selected forest-associated species that are considered to reflect the genetic diversity present in forest ecosystems. Some forest species support or rely heavily on particular forest structures, patterns, associations, and processes and can therefore be used to describe the status of genetic diversity in forests as a whole.
This indicator uses population trends of selected bird and tree species as a surrogate measure of genetic diversity. Population decreases, especially associated with small populations, can lead to decreases in genetic diversity and contribute to increased risk of extinction. There are many forest-dependent species that rely on some particular forest structure, forest vegetation association, or ecological process. Monitoring population levels of such representative species can indicate the status of the associations of species dependent on specialized conditions. Continued monitoring and assessment of this indicator can help inform management efforts to maintain and improve forest health conditions, specifically to help avoid species extinction or loss of genetic diversity within species.