Use of single versus multiple biotic communities as indicators of biological integrity in northern prairie wetlands

► We develop and evaluate indices of biological integrity from 5 communities in northern prairie wetlands. ► Wet meadow vegetation and songbirds are strong indicators of environmental stress and have correlated IBI scores. ► Combining wet meadow vegetation and songbirds into a single IBI does not substantially add information. ► Our study reveals that compensation wetlands are in poorer condition than their natural analogs.