Aquatic Condition Index: optimization of a rapid wetland assessment tool for evaluating urban wetland health.

ABSTRACT: Urbanization poses significant threats to wetland ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, hydrological alterations, and the introduction of invasive species that adversely affect essential ecosystem services. This widespread threat underscores the need to develop a robust management tool for gauging urban wetland health. The Aquatic Condition Index (ACI) was developed as a diagnostic tool for monitoring urban wetland health in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The ACI evaluates wetland health by incorporating functional indicators (i.e., hydrological, ecological, and water quality functions) chosen by scientific experts to provide municipal wetlands with relative condition scores that can inform citywide habitat management budgeting and prioritization. Gathering the data necessary to generate wetland

SUBMITTER: Erratt KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11461676 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature