Biodiversity

Although freshwater wetlands cover only 1 percent of the Earth's surface, they hold more than 40 percent of the world's species and 12 percent of all animal species. Of the more than 900 bird species that breed in North America, about 138 species in the conterminous United States depend on wetlands.

The diversity of creatures found in wetlands arises because of the uniqueness of wetland habitats. The plants, water and soils of wetlands provide homes to species of all sorts including mammals, birds, plants, fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Insects, invertebrates, bacteria, algae and decaying plants create a "wetland soup," a rich foundation for food chains that leads to incredible variety and abundance of larger creatures.

What is Ducks Unlimited doing to increase biodiversity?

Ducks Unlimited's habitat projects have the benefit of increasing biodiversity. Select a conservation region to learn more about DU's activities near you!

More Wetland Benefits

• Waterfowl Habitat
  
• Recreation
  
• Flood Storage
  
• Groundwater Recharge
  
• Improved Water Quality
  
• Fish Habitat
  
• Biodiversity