The UK has many nationally and internationally significant wetlands that support large numbers of birds, particularly those over-wintering in the UK. Wetlands occur in different environments around the world, but they all have one thing in common: they are extremely important habitats of rich biodiversity, and they have an important role to play in the lives of humans and animals alike. Reptiles that use wetlands do so because they either live in water for much of their lives or rely on water for their survival. In 50 years' time, freshwater wetlands will cover considerably larger areas than they do today and provide multiple benefits to people and society. Wetlands help to counter balance the human effect on rivers by rejuvenating them and surrounding ecosystems. Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. Wetland birds are not only protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) 1981 (and those similar acts applied in Without Mallard and other ducks doing their rounds, plant seeds from one area wouldn’t be able to reach the next, leaving these wetland fragments isolated and vulnerable to local extinction. Why do I need a wetland bird survey? Birds and mammals might not live directly in the wetlands, but they depend on freshwater wetlands for food or reproduction. In this way, the birds help to maintain existing patches of healthy plant communities as wetland loss and fragmentation continues apace. The eastern water dragon lives in coastal waters, including marine wetlands. Many bird, insect, and other wildlife species are completely dependent on wetlands for critical stages in their life cycles, while many other species make use of wetlands for feeding, resting, or other life activities. Why do reptiles need wetlands? For raising public awareness of environmental concerns, birds are also useful because they are ubiquitous through most habitats and their absence is conspicuous. Wetlands support great concentrations of bird life and far more species than a similar forest area. Adaptation is a change in a bird's body or behavior that allows the bird to be more successful in life. The Severn Estuary is one such globally important site for nature and is considered to be one of the UK’s great natural wonders. They accomplish this through adaptation. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance was adopted in Iran 46 years ago, and 2 February is now celebrated globally as World Wetlands Day. Wetlands will be more responsive to the natural processes which produce or support key habitats. Dear EarthTalk: Why are wetlands so important to preserve?—Patricia Mancuso, Erie, Pa. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, bogs, riverbanks, mangroves, floodplains, rice … They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else. Constructed wetlands will play a much greater role in supporting wetland biodiversity. It is a good tree climber and likes to laze on branches overhanging the water. Wetland habitat provides the necessary food, water and shelter for mammals and migrating birds. emergent wetland vegetation, shrubs, or trees Special adaptations All birds have a job to do – they need to stay alive and reproduce. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. Australia currently has 66 Ramsar wetlands listed as The survival of threatened species such as the Australasian bittern, brown teal, fernbird, marsh crake and white heron relies on remnant wetlands. Native fish need wetlands too. 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