Importance of wetlands

The degradation of wetlands is a serious threat. Besides deliberately eliminating them, humans have unwittingly brought about other forms of decline.

The introduction of exotic plants and wildlife threatens biodiversity. One of the most notorious examples is purple loosestrife, which is known to invade marshes, competing with and eliminating cattails, an important species in the physical structure and food chain. Staff at Point Pelee exercise a campaign to physically remove purple loosestrife whenever it appears.

Because wetlands act as a natural filter, pollutants can become concentrated, with unpredictable effects.

The bullfrog has disappeared from Point Pelee's marshes. The reason for this is unclear, and ongoing studies seek to understand the problem. One theory is that the frog has succumbed to heavy metal poisoning and other pollution from adjoining drained wetland being used for agricultural purposes.

For more information visit these web sites:

Wetlands in the Great Lakes Region, from Great Lakes Information Network.

Point Pelee National Park of Canada, the official web site from Parks Canada.

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