Glossary:Hemeroby index
The hemeroby index measures the hemerobiotic state of an area: the magnitude of the deviation from the potential natural vegetation caused by human activities.
The degree of hemeroby increases with the increase of the human influence. Gradients of human influence are assessed using a scale which normally comprises 7 degrees, in which the lowest values (ahemerob) correspond to “natural” or non-disturbed landscapes and habitats such as bogs and the highest values (metahemerob) are given to totally disturbed or “artificial” landscapes such as urban areas. In an agri-environmental context the index shows the cultural influence of farming practices on landscapes and potential vegetation.