Abstract
Determining ecological indicators and habitat classifications using standardized methods at the catchment scale is crucial to ecosystem-based management. Through investigations of vegetation and environmental factors at 66 sites located in the Ichi River in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, we classified the types of environments and the corresponding indicator communities at the catchment scale. Data were analyzed using the optimum clustering method, for which the correct number of clusters was determined by model-based clustering and indicator values (IndVal). The indicators of specificity and fidelity in either cluster were reflected in actual site conditions. Results indicated that physiotope may be important for habitat classification at the catchment scale.
