5 Reasons Freshwater Swamp is Vital to Wildlife Migration

 


Did you know Brazil is home to the Pantanal, the largest tropical wetland? Few people do, and no one knows why. It’s a shame as this freshwater swamp plays a critical environmental role. All freshwater wetlands do.

Freshwater swamps are vibrant, water-saturated ecosystems. These wetlands are often characterized by slow-moving and dense vegetation. They're filled with trees, plants, and wildlife. There are other famous freshwater swamps aside from the Pantanal. The US has the Atchafalaya Swamp and the Okefenokee Swamp in the US. There's also the Danube Delta in Romania.

Freshwater swamps are crucial ecosystems. They provide food and shelter to countless animal species. These wetlands are also essential in flood control and water purification. The EPA noted that swamps can filter as many pollutants as a $5-million water filtration plant.

A freshwater swamp also plays a key role in the survival of migrating wildlife. This seasonal movement of animals is often thousands of miles long. The journey is often dangerous, with mortality rates higher during migration season. Freshwater swamps are essential during this time.

Migratory animals face many challenges. They’ll experience fatigue, predation, and scarcity of resources while migrating. A freshwater swamp is a haven where animals can refuel, rest, and regain strength. Bird species like herons and egrets use Florida’s swamps as stopover points. They can feed on fish, amphibians, and insects. They can also rest and replenish their energy reserves in the wetland trees and bush. These birds cannot complete their journey if they can’t take shelter.

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