Bioindicators as a fundamental element for assessing the state of forest and agrarian ecosystems

The negative impact of pollutants on organisms is complex and still insufficiently investigated. This is caused by the diversity of organisms and by the high variability of the composition of foreign substances and their synergistic effects on each organism. The mechanisms by which living organisms are damaged differ depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the stress factor and interaction with biotic factors.

The study focuses on the importance of bioindicators and the process of bioindication which evaluate the selected organisms homeostastis, observation of ecological processes, and the overall assessment of environmental changes.

In addition to traditional matrices, such as air, water and soil, bioindicators of plant and animal origin are used to monitor the level of environmental contamination and to control pollution. It is known that bioindicators often contain significantly higher concentrations of certain pollutants than those detected in the matrices themselves. Bioindicators of animal origin allow assessment of environmental quality and its changes over time. They serve as suitable indicators for evaluating the impact of negative anthropogenic activities on ecosystems by studying the reactions of biota to the resulting stress.

Bioindication is an important tool in ecotoxicological and veterinary studies, drawing on advances in human and veterinary medicine. As the negative impact of the human population grows on the environment, understanding the role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem functions becomes increasingly important. Wildlife biomonitoring using selected wild game mammals has become a common and effective approach for assessing environmental health.