Using Structured Decision Making to Select Management Indicator Species

What is it about?

The management indicator species concept remains an appealing tool for land managers charged with monitoring and conserving complex biological diversity over large landscapes with limited available resources. However, selecting a suite of management indicator species that adequately represent the ecological composition, structure, and function of complex ecological systems is a daunting challenge. We used a structured decision making process (analytical hierarchy process) to determine the best management indicator species for three management objectives of the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia.

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Why is it important?

We believe the Analytical Hierarchy Process is an effective tool for Management Indicator Species selection, because it provides a formal structured decision procedure, has a strong theoretical foundation, accommodates incomplete ecological data, and offers transparency to the decision-making process.

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