Important Types of Species

Keystone Species What is it? Examples: A species whose removal causes an ecosystem to collapse The sea star Pisaster ochraceus, the original keystone species, feeds preferentially on mussels on northeast Pacific rocky shores. By doing so, the predatory sea star prevents mussels from taking over the entire shore and allows less competitive species to persist, thus enhancing local species diversity.

Other Keystone species examples As keystone species, African Elephants stop the progression of grassland to forest or thicket by weeding out the trees and shrubs. Elephants browse on these woody plants, yanking young trees out by their roots or stunting their growth by eating the growth points on their branches. Even if a tree or two escapes the weeding, they won't last long. Sooner or later an elephant will push the plant over, yank it out of the ground, or kill it slowly by prying away its bark.

Other Keystone species examples Sea otters are a keystone predator because they keep the sea urchin population in check. Without sea otters, the sea urchins would decimate the kelp forests, which are essential nurseries and spawning grounds for a variety of marine fish.

Indicator Species What is it? Examples: An organism whose presence, absence or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition. The presence of river otters indicates a healthy, clean river system.

Other Indicator species examples All amphibians are indicator species due to their extremely thin skin. Chemicals can easily diffuse into their bodies to kill them and UV rays can cause cancer or deadly mutations.

Umbrella Species What is it? Examples: An organism whose protection provides protection for a variety of other organisms. As top predators, grizzlies are especially vulnerable to disturbances in their habitat and food supply and thus serve as an excellent indicator species for the "wildness" and the overall health of the coastal ecosystem. Grizzly bears are also an excellent umbrella species because they require large home ranges.

Other Umbrella species examples The Black Rhino - These iconic animals serve as umbrella species for wilderness conservation, in that protecting them also safeguards numerous other species of plants and animals. 

Other Umbrella species examples Both the mountain lion and gray wolf have are great umbrella species because by protecting these endangered predators, their prey and habitat must also be protected.

Flagship Species What is it? Examples: An organism who has become a symbol and leading element of a conservation campaign Pandas are a flagship species because they elicit an emotional response from people.

Other Flagship species examples People feel very passionately about efforts to save endangered flagship species like whales and dolphins.

Other Flagship species examples Other flagship species are considered icons for our society and therefore are protected.