They were once abundantly distributed throughout the country. Recently, however, wetlands have become an increasingly scarce resource in settled areas of the country. Throughout Canada, wetlands have been adversely affected by land use practices that have resulted in vegetation destruction, nutrient and toxic loading, sedimentation, and altered flow regimes. In the North, however, most of the wetlands are intact. Wetlands are important to species from many familiar classes of animals, as well as to less commonly known creatures.
Every drop of water contains microscopic zooplankton, which are a vital component of the food chain.
The water's surface and the wetland bottom are covered with insect eggs, larvae, and nymphs. Members of the fish, amphibian, and reptile groups are all dependent on the habitat provided by wetlands. Numerous bird and mammal species make extensive use of the water and its adjacent shores. These species can be important to humans economically or as indicators of environmental health. Food and shelter are the primary requirements of life.