NRES 348 — Lec 10: Wetland Habitats

Why are wetlands important for endangered species?

Wetlands provide essential habitat for many threatened & endangered birds. 20/32 listed species are wetland-dependent.

What is the Northeast Illinois Wetland Bird Survey (NEWS)?

A long-term survey conducted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to monitor wetland bird populations in northeastern Illinois.

What is happening to many wetland bird populations?

Many species are experiencing population declines, partly because of habitat degradation & changes in wetland conditions.

Which wetland bird species have shown population increases?

Sandhill cranes & mute swans have shown population increases in the Illinois survey data.

What is a hemi-marsh?

A wetland habitat containing a mixture of open water & emergent vegetation.

Why is a hemi-marsh habitat important for wetland birds?

Many declining wetland bird species prefer hemi-marsh habitats, so losing this habitat can contribute to population declines.

What is wetland cycling?

The natural process of wetlands changing between open water & vegetated conditions over time. Emphasizes that natural wetland cycling is no longer occurring as it once did.

What factors influence wetland bird abundance?

Wetland area, surrounding development, grassland habitat, vegetation interspersion, isolation, nearby wetlands, & changes in hydrology.

What are the main goals of wetland habitat management?

Managing water levels, habitat structure, the proportion of open water to vegetation, & invasive species to support wildlife.

What are the major threats to wetland habitats?

Habitat loss, altered or unpredictable water levels, invasive species, & habitat degradation.