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Did you know that wetlands are as biodiverse as rainforests or coral reefs? Healthy and diverse ecosystems, especially wetlands, are essentially our life support.
Did you know that 40% of worlds species live and breed in wetlands? Since wetlands have both terrestrial and aquatic characteristics, wetlands are biologically diverse and provide critical nursery areas for many species of birds, fish, and invertebrates.
Did you know that the California wetlands are one of the most important stops along the Pacific Flyway for millions of migratory birds! Wetlands are also effective carbon sinks, and pivotal to reversing climate change that is declining biodiversity worldwide.
Some of the species of the California Wetlands
Some of the species of the California Wetlands
Photo by Hillebrand Steve, USFWS
Great Egret
Were nearly hunted to extinction in the 1800s and early 1900s for their long white plumage.
Photo by Manjith Kainickara
American White Pelican
Often seen in large groups in lakes and reservoirs of California. They fly in a large V, gliding with long wings.
Photo by Larry Hubbell
Wood Duck
Nearly extinct in 1900s due to overhunting, but doing well now. Usually nests in old woodpecker holes.
Photo by J.M.Garg
Northern Pintail
Dabbling duck of salt marshes in California. Approximately 90% of its diet is aquatic plants from fresh water.
Photo by Dave Feliz
Giant Garter Snake
Semi-aquatic and the largest garter snake species. It can be as long as 64 inches
Photo by Tom McHugh/Science Source
Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse
Endangered rodent endemic to the San Francisco Bay Area salt marshes. The cutest.
Photo by Santa Barbara Independent
Tidewater Gobies
Favorable habitat includes shallow open water with emergent vegetation. Pray on aquatic insects and small crustaceans.
Photo by Stuart Young
Arroyo Toad
Endure harsh conditions by burrowing into sandy streamsides and sealing themselves within a thin shell.
Photo by Yathin S. Krishnappa
Pacific Pond Turtle
Use dry sunny basking sites for warming themselves such as rocks and logs. Do engage in aggressive behaviors when competing for basking sites.
Photo by Petar Milošević
Nutria
Invasives in California wetlands. An aquatic rodent that resembles a beaver. Distinguished by their long, white whiskers and rounded tails.
Photo by Tom Murray
Water penny beetle
Aquatic beetles that feed on algae on rock surfaces. Can be a great indicator of water quality as they are pollution sensitive.
Photo by Douglas J. King
Wetland Sedge Bush
Produces long stems that have a cylindrical mass of flowers. The pith of the stems are said to taste sweet, raw or cooked. Considered a native food.
Photo by Ron Vanderhoff
Surfgrass
Strictly marine endemics, only occurring in intertidal and subtidal habitats where they are submersed in seawater.
Photo by Angeleen Olson
Eelgrass
Eelgrasses are keystone species. Eelgrass beds are vital nursery and rearing habitat for the recreation for Pacific herring, and rockfishes.
Photo by Mary Jo Adams
Arrowgrass
Grows on wet, alkaline soils and may be found growing over large areas or small patches near springs. Often found in native areas where it is used as hay.
Photo by By Douglas McGrady
Rounded Sundew
Carnivirous plant that absorbs nutrients from other living organisms, but also photosynthesizes. Found growing with other mosses.
References
Cover photo by Linnaea Mallette
The Wetlands Initiative. http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/high-biodiversity
California Department of Fish and Game. 2007. California wildlife: conservation challenges. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.
Niering, W.A. 1988. Endangered, Threatened and Rare Wetland Plants and Animals of the Continental United States. Pg. 227-238. In, D.D. Hook, Ed., The Ecology and Management of Wetlands, Vol. 1. Springer, Berlin, Germany.
Blanchette, C.A. et al. 1999. Algal morphology, flow, and spatially variable recruitment of surfgrass Phyllospadix torreyi. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 184:119-128
Cover photo by Linnaea Mallette
The Wetlands Initiative. http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/high-biodiversity
California Department of Fish and Game. 2007. California wildlife: conservation challenges. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.
Niering, W.A. 1988. Endangered, Threatened and Rare Wetland Plants and Animals of the Continental United States. Pg. 227-238. In, D.D. Hook, Ed., The Ecology and Management of Wetlands, Vol. 1. Springer, Berlin, Germany.
Blanchette, C.A. et al. 1999. Algal morphology, flow, and spatially variable recruitment of surfgrass Phyllospadix torreyi. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 184:119-128
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