Lokimäärä

Lokimäärä refers to the number of species of seabirds present in a particular area or during a specific observation period. This ecological term is used in ornithology and marine biology to assess the diversity and abundance of seabird populations. Researchers often monitor lokimäärä to understand the health of marine ecosystems, as seabird populations can be sensitive indicators of changes in fish stocks, ocean currents, and pollution levels.

Estimating lokimäärä typically involves systematic surveys, often conducted from boats or aircraft, or by observing coastal areas. These surveys can count individual birds or estimate densities over defined transects or areas. The data collected helps in identifying important seabird habitats, migration routes, and breeding colonies. Variations in lokimäärä over time can signal environmental stress or recovery within the marine environment.

The term can also be used in a broader sense to describe the variety of different bird species observed, not exclusively seabirds, in any given ecological study, though its primary application is within marine ornithological contexts. Understanding lokimäärä contributes to conservation efforts by highlighting areas that require protection and by informing management strategies for marine resources.