Developing a quantitative index of integrity as a comprehensive measure in ecological change analysis

Abstract

Ecological Integrity is one of the main scientific measures in the comprehensive assessment of ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to: (a) find a way to depict the disturbance gradient of our case study in northern Iran (b) develop an index of biotic integrity; (c) finally provide a baseline for assessing ecological integrity. Analytical metrics of spatial composition and configuration were applied to identify the disturbance gradient. Estimating of these metrics helped to define three levels of disturbance using the Ward's method of clustering analysis. A quantitative index of integrity was constructed, using three types of bird guilds including structural, functional and compositional .Results showed the range of integrity index at Miankaleh Peninsula was a value from 26 to 68. Statistical analysis including One-Way ANOVA and Pearson Correlation and paired sample t-test were conducted to investigate the validity and reliability of the Index. Findings of this research showed that biotic integrity in parts of the Miankaleh Peninsula was far from its intact condition. Developed index of biological integrity in this research can help to assess effects of the disturbance factors on the natural ecosystem of Miankaleh to prioritize the best management actions for restoring of this ecosystem.