Identifying ecological and social indicator species of wildlife in the northern neotropics

Two central points of inquiry fueled this doctoral research: "What species of wildlife can be identified as indicators of ecosystem health and diversity in the northern neotropics," and "What wildlife can be identified as social indicator species to buffer zone villagers in Belize?" The overall goal of this study was to develop a methodology for selecting an assemblage of ecological and social indicator species of wildlife that are important to forest ecosystem health and diversity, and that are economically and culturally important to local communities. The specific goals were to: (a) develop a methodology for systematically linking ecological and conservation theories and social knowledge into protected area management, (b) provide an example of participatory research, and (c) integrate these indicator species into a decision-making hierarchy that is flexible to changing ecological, social, and management needs.;Two ecological and social constructs provide the theoretical framework for this inquiry. The indicator species construct proposes that selected species of biota can serve as measurable surrogates for environmental endpoints, and the status of biodiversity over time. The other theoretical framework asserts that humans possess social and perceptual factors toward biodiversity that influence their activities toward nature.;Two research methodologies were used: (1) a Delphi survey of northern neotropical ecologists, and (2) focus groups with three buffer zone villages, as well as with park wardens in Belize. The panel of ecologists identified 28 ecological indicator species/groups of wildlife they believe are highly important to ecosystem health and diversity, The Mayan and Mestizo villagers identified 43 wildlife species important for economic or cultural reasons. The park wardens identified 25 wildlife species most important to management and monitoring in their parks.;Development of this model and methodology is the most important aspect of this study. Data collected from the Delphi has widespread application in the northern neotropics, while the social data is only applicable to the three Belizean villages, and the individual park wardens. However, the proposed model can assist other conservationists who seek to understand and integrate ecological and social factors significant to biodiversity conservation in their protected areas.