Indicator Species
A species that tells scientists about the health of an ecosystem.
What is it?
An indicator species is a plant or animal whose presence, absence, or population size gives clues about the condition of its environment. The American paddlefish is an indicator species for clean, healthy rivers. If paddlefish are thriving, the water is likely clean and full of plankton. If they disappear, it may mean the river is polluted or damaged.
Why it matters
Indicator species help scientists monitor ecosystems without having to test everything. Protecting them can help protect many other species that share their habitat.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more indicator species.
