Citizen participation and ecological integrity assessment in biological corridors using a composite index
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v18i1.6694Keywords:
Fragmentation, citizen science, landscape connectivity, Hill numbers, species diversity, forest cover, biodiversity monitoringAbstract
Introduction: Ecological integrity reflects the ability of ecosystems to maintain their natural composition, structure, and functions in the face of disturbances. However, few studies have assessed ecological integrity using citizen science data. Objective: To assess the ecological condition of biological corridors in Costa Rica using citizen science and indicators of tetrapod diversity and forest fragmentation. Methods: I calculated a composite index, the Ecological Integrity Index, combining the Forest Fragmentation Index (based on forest cover maps from 2021 and 2023) and the alpha diversity of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, estimated using Hill numbers (q = 1) from citizen science records. Results: In 2021, the highest composite index value was recorded for the San Juan La Selva biological corridor (1.00), while the lowest was recorded for the Interurbano María Aguilar corridor (0.00). In 2023, the highest and lowest values were recorded for Amistosa (0.99) and El Achiote (0.00). Conclusion: The increase in species evenness and changes in ecological composition suggest local restructuring or short-term functional recovery, but no significant changes were observed between the two years.
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