The aim of this study is threefold. First, we summarize existing knowledge from the (international) literature on terminology and concepts associated with the use of species for nature conservation and nature policy purposes (e.g. indicator species, umbrella species, focal species, etc.), as far as it is relevant to the situation in Flanders. This includes an analysis of sets of criteria to select target species and indicator species. A multi-species approach (or multi-taxa approach) is adopted. Secondly, we screen the indicator-values of different taxonomic groups. Thirdly, a study case for selecting species in order to plan and evaluate management of wet heathland biotopes is examined.