Designers examine at some of the most important factors to consider when choosing indicator species for a monitoring program aimed at preserving or restoring ecological integrity. First, we weigh the benefits and drawbacks of several management methods for use in conservation programs, concluding that ecosystem management is the best option. The next step is to find possible indicators of ecological integrity at different stages of the ecosystem, with a focus on species level indicators. Although the use of indicator species is controversial, we conclude that it can be beneficial if many species representing various taxa and life histories are included in the monitoring program, their selection is primarily based on a sound quantitative database from the focal region, and caution is used when interpreting their population trends to distinguish actual signals from variations t. Finally, we show and analyze the various approaches for selecting indicator species.