BIODIVERSITY INDICES: QUANTIFYING ECOSYSTEM VARIATION AND HEALTH

Biodiversity indices are quantitative tools used to measure the variety and relative abundance of species within ecosystems. They provide essential insights into ecological complexity, species richness, and evenness, enabling comparisons across habitats and monitoring changes over time. Widely used indices such as Shannon‑Wiener, Simpson’s, and Evenness measures aid researchers and managers in assessing ecological health, conservation priorities, and the impacts of human disturbance. This article reviews the key concepts of biodiversity indices, their mathematical foundations, applications, and limitations, highlighting their significance in contemporary ecological research and biodiversity conservation planning.