Shannon - Wiener Diversity Index

Shannon-Wiener Index denoted by H = -SUM[(pi) ln(pi)]

SUM = summation
pi = proportion of total sample represented by species i
Divide no. of individuals of species i by total number of samples
S = number of species, = species richness
Hmax = ln(S) Maximum diversity possible
E = Evenness = H/Hmax
Example 1: Uneven plant community
No. in sample

pi

ln(pi)

(pi) ln(pi)

Big bluestem

60

0.60

-0.51

-0.31

Partridge pea

10

0.10

-2.30

-0.23

Sumac

25

0.25

-1.39

-0.35

Sedge

0.01

-4.61

-0.05

Lespedeza

0.04

-3.22

-0.13

Species (i)

S=5

Sum = 100

Sum = -1.07

H = 1.07
Hmax = ln(S) = ln(5) = 1.61
E = 1.07/1.61 = 0.66
Example 2: Even plant community
No. in sample

pi

ln(pi)

(pi) ln(pi)

Big bluestem

20

0.20

-1.61

-0.32

Partridge pea

20

0.20

-1.61

-0.32

Sumac

20

0.20

-1.61

-0.32

Sedge

20

0.20

-1.61

-0.32

Lespedeza

20

0.20

-1.61

-0.32

Species (i)

S=5
H = 1.61
Hmax = ln(5) = 1.61
H = 1.61/1.61 = 1.00
Homework Exercise 2

Sum = 100

Sum = -1.61