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An ecological definition of a wetland is "an ecosystem that arises when inundation by water produces soils dominated by anaerobic and aerobic processes, which, in turn, forces the biota, particularly rooted plants, to adapt to flooding". [1] Sometimes a precise legal definition of a wetland is required.
Beavers are the second-largest living rodents, after capybaras, weighing up to 50 kg (110 lb). They have stout bodies with large heads, long chisel-like incisors, brown or gray fur, hand-like front feet, webbed back feet, and tails that are flat and scaly. The two species differ in skull and tail shape and fur color.
The muskrat or common muskrat[ 1 ] (Ondatra zibethicus) is a medium-sized semiaquatic rodent native to North America and an introduced species in parts of Europe, Asia and South America. The muskrat is found in wetlands over various climates and habitats. It has crucial effects on the ecology of wetlands, [ 2 ] and is a resource of food and fur ...
The Pantanal ecosystem is home to some 463 species of birds, [5] 269 species of fishes, more than 236 species of mammals, [12] 141 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 9,000 subspecies of invertebrates. The apple snail (Pomacea lineata) is a keystone species in Pantanal's ecosystem. When the wetlands are flooded once a year, the grass ...
Phragmites stands can provide food and shelter resources for a number of birds, insects, and other animals. Habitat benefits are often optimal when stands are thinner, and management of stands may promote more suitable habitat benefits. [3] Some evidence suggests that a short term management rotation of 1–2 years could maximize bird and ...
Additionally, invasive species can negatively impact the availability of suitable habitats for native species and contribute to the overall degradation of wetland health. [19] An example of one of the many organisms that pose as an invasive species threat to wetlands is the Nutria. The Nutria is a semi-aquatic rodent that originated from South ...
Many tropical fish have been released, but blue tilapias (Oreochromis aureus) cause damage to shallow waterways by creating large nests and consuming aquatic plants that protect native young fish. [163] Native to southern Asia, the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) is a relatively new invasive species in the Everglades. This species ...
This is a checklist of amphibians found in Northern America, based mainly on publications by the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. [1] [2] [3] The information about range and status of almost all of these species can be found also for example in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species site. [4]