Wetlands are major breeding grounds for various resident and migratory birds. They are migratory stopovers for many species of waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and songbirds. Many species of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals depend on wetlands for survival. In fact, at least one third of the nation's threatened or endangered species live in wetland areas. Wetlands are extremely important refuges for this plentiful variety of wildlife.
Wetlands are diverse and support an incredible diversity of life.
Wetlands Help Maintain Water Quality Wetlands are also important in the way they interact with the environment around them. They are natural reservoirs and erosion controllers, and they function as natural sewage systems. When rain sinks into the ground, it is stored in naturally occurring underground depressions. This prevents the water from immediately flowing into streams, rivers, lakes, or the gulf or ocean. The specially adapted plants that live in the wetlands act as flood controllers and as water purifiers.