Wetlands Facts: Did You Know...
- Wetlands are found all over the world-the only continent that does not have wetlands is Antarctica.
- More than 220 million acres of wetlands are thought to have existed in the lower 48 states in the 1600s. Since then extensive losses have occurred, and more that half of our original wetlands have been drained or converted. Twenty-two states have lost at least 50 percent of their original wetlands.
- The principal mosquito carrier of West Nile Virus on the East Coast, Culex pipiens, does not prefer to reproduce in most wetlands. Healthy wetlands are not uncontrolled breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Healthy wetlands sustain numerous species of mosquito-eating fish, amphibians, insects and birds, all of which help limit mosquito populations. These species reach greatest numbers in large urban centers, breeding easily in artificial containers - birdbaths, discarded tires, and buckets. Adapted to polluted habitats, these species generally avoid swamps and salt marshes altogether.
- As wetlands are destroyed, bird populations continue to decrease. In the past 15 years, the continental duck breeding population fell from 45 million to 31 million birds (a decline of 31%).
- Approximately 100 million wetland acres remain in the 48 contiguous states, but they continue to be lost at a rate of about 60,000 acres annually.
- Seventy-five percent of the commercially harvested fish are wetland dependent. Add shellfish and that number jumps to 95%.
- Up to one-half of North American bird species nest or feed in wetlands.
- An acre of wetland can store 1-1.5 million gallons of floodwater.
- Although wetlands keep only about 5 percent of the land surface in the US, they are home to 31 % of our plant species.
- Environmental Concern is celebrating 35 years of wetland stewardship.
- According to Science, an acre of tropical forest is worth $817 for its ecosystem benefits.
An acre of open ocean is worth $103.
An acre of wetlands is worth $6,017.
