Wetlands provide valuable habitat for numerous
species of wildlife. Habitat is defined as the
biological and physical resources required by an
animal for its survival and reproduction. Many
wetlands provide the food and cover required by
wildlife. However, like all functions we must
realize that not every wetland will provide
appropriate habitat for all species. For example,
Bullfrogs require wetlands with a long hydroperiod
(permanent or semipermant water); whereas Mountain
Chorus Frogs require wetlands with a much reduced
hydroperiod that does not support fish, which
consume eggs and tadpoles.
Nonetheless, an estimated 95% of economically
important fish and shellfish species in the U.S.
depend upon wetlands. All 46 of the waterfowl
species (ducks, geese, and swans) in North America depend
upon wetlands. Moreover, important fur bearing
species such as beaver, mink, and muskrat, are
heavily dependent upon wetlands for their survival.
Wetlands also harbor a number of threatened and
endangered species as well as numerous other
non-game species that are not endangered. Wetlands
are indeed important habitats for numerous wildlife
species.
Even invertebrates like this ghost crab use wetlands.
 Click for video.
Check out the following categories for more
information on the value of wetlands to various
groups of wildlife species.
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