When trying to define what constitutes ecosystem health, it is necessary to understand the populations which exist in the community (Table 9). Certain populations can act as indicators of change in the ecosystem. These indicators will be necessary to "flag" and monitor their dynamics.
Table 9: Populations
If we are to use certain populations as indicator species we must have a description of the population dynamics. Studies of these populations will produce baseline data with which comparisons can be made. Table 9 identifies the characteristics of population dynamics which need to be studied. Estimates of population densities need to be calculated in order to arrive at minimum viable population sizes. Competition is an important process to consider if we hope to better understand populations. Changes in population dynamics will provide us with an early warning of changes in an ecosystem (Woodley 1993).
An Ecological Framework for Huron Natural Area
