Indicator Species
Indicator Species in Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles is particularly interested in knowing where certain biodiversity indicator species are found. When indicator species are present, it typically means there is high-quality habitat. Most of these species (e.g., mule deer, great horned owls) are typically dependent on natural areas and are mostly found in parks and in large areas of open space. However, if you are lucky, you might be able to see some of them, like bumblebees and monarch butterflies, in your backyard or neighborhood. Other indicator species, like the red-winged blackbird, are typically found in or near streams, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.
The indicator species cards below indicate where you are likely to spot certain species.
You can also learn more from L.A. Sanitation and Environment's comprehensive guide, the Biodiversity Indicator Species Booklet, available on the L.A. Sanitation's Biodiversity webpage. Your observations of indicator species will be extremely important to City staff and local scientists studying biodiversity.
