Wetlands
Leann Sessoms
Definition of a wetland
Land that is filled or soaked with water at least part of the year
Facts about wetlands
- Covers 12.8 squared kilometers
- More than 1/3 of endangered species rely on wetlands for survival
- Covers 6% of the Earth's surface
Uses for wetlands
- Habitat for endangered wildlife
- Holds and collects flood waters
- Naturally filers water
Types of wetlands
- Bog
- Swamp
- Fen
- Marsh
Animals found in wetlands
- Beavers
- Insects
- Red deer
- Alligators
- Newts
- Shrimp
- Snakes
- Turtles
Plants found in wetlands
- Reeds
- Wildflowers
- Shrubs
- Trees (only in swamps)
- Grasses
Facts about Bogs
- Has soil low in nutrients
- Peat forms in bogs
- Has some carnivorous plants
Facts about Swamps
- Has deep water
- Only type that has trees
- Soil is poorly drained and water-logged
Facts about Fens
- Also forms peat
- Has high nutrient levels
- Able to support a complex plant and animal community
Facts about Marshes
- The amount of water can change with seasons
- Has soil with low mineral content
- Has shallow water
Wetland Destruction
Natural Threats
- Hurricanes and other storms
- Droughts
- Sea level rise
- Subsidence
- Erosion
- Drainage
- Mining
- Logging
- Construction
- Air and water pollutants
Preservation and Conservation
- Don't fill in wetlands
- Limit the amount of chemicals you put in your yard
- Plant plants around any wetlands to act as a buffer
Sources
- www.wetland.org
- water.epa.gov
- news.mongabay.com
- www.defenders.org