Animals in Wetland Ecosystems

Toads can be found in wetland ecosystems all over the world.

Wetland ecosystems, including swamps, bogs, lagoons, lakes, rivers and marshes, support seasonal and permanent animal residents living on the algae, plants, plankton, insects and fish that propagate in their waters. Experts at the San Diego Zoo say that erosion, pollution and pesticides disturb the lives of many wetland animals.

Types

Approximately 150 bird species and 200 species of fish reside in the wetlands of the United States, says Kathryn Flynn, associate professor of Forestry at Auburn University. In addition, a variety of turtles, and other reptiles and mammals, such as the raccoon, white-tailed deer, muskrat and beaver, call this habitat home. Invertebrate species, such as earthworms, leeches and crawfish, flourish at the bottom of the wetland food chain.

Geography

Variations of specific wetland animal species can be found on all seven continents. For example, the crocodile, in all its forms, resides in Central and South America, Africa and northern Australia.

Warning

Greg Yarrow, professor of Wildlife Ecology at Clemson University, estimates that 53 percent of America's original wetlands have been destroyed by encroachment in the last 200 years, decimating animal populations. He says that a number of states "have lost at least 70 per cent or more of their wetland acreage."

References

• San Diego Zoo: Animal Bytes: River, Lake, and Wetland
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Understanding Wetlands And Endangered Species: Definitions And Relationships
• University of California/Davis: Wetland Animals
• Clemson Extension: Wetland Ecology: Value and Conservation

Resources

• Environmental Protection Agency: Wetlands Photos: Birds and Animals Associated With Wetland Habitats
• Allegheny College: Wetland Animal Ecology