Sediments are also trapped by wetlands. In a semi-arid country like South Africa, the role of wetlands in trapping sediments, before the sediment-laden water joins a river course and just washes away, is really useful. Biodiversity is high around wetlands habitats. These areas provide food and shelter for many animals, in particular bird species such as herons, spoonbills and flamingos, and amphibians such as frogs. Wetlands provide good areas for grazing, and the variety of grasses, along with a supply of running water, can be beneficial to farming livestock.
Many different kinds of creatures depend on wetlands — and on each other. The insects that are attracted to the plants provide food for other animals like fish, frogs and birds, who in turn attract other predators. The biodiversity of wetlands has produced some incredible specialist species that are only found in these habitats. Zeekoevlei, Rietvlei Wetland Reserve and Rondevlei Nature Reserve are all examples of wetlands in Cape Town that people are able to visit and where they can enjoy nature walks, picnics, birding, fishing or even sailing.
As more people flock to cities, these recreational spaces in nature become even more valuable. Medicines are extracted from their bark, leaves, and fruits, and they also provide tannins and dyes, used extensively in the treatment of leather," according to the World Wide Fund for Nature. In South Africa, most natural wetlands areas have been destroyed. In Cape Town, the remaining few are threatened by housing developments, agriculture, invasive flora and fauna, sewerage effluent and stormwater and agricultural run-off.
Rietvlei is a freshwater wetland on the floodplain of the Diep River, that drains into Milnerton Lagoon and finally into Table Bay. It comprises a permanent freshwater lake, shallow pans, extensive reedbeds and a tidal lagoon. Rondevlei Nature Reserve is home to around bird species, as well as a number of reptiles and mammals. The water body of Zeekoevlei covers approximately ha and has an average depth of about 3. It is fed by the Little and Groot Lotus Rivers on the northern side and, in turn, empties into False Bay on the southern side.
The Zandvlei wetland is an important habitat for birds, and has species on its official list. It is also a vital home for amphibians and about 20 species of reptile such as tortoises, marsh terrapins, mole snakes and brown water snakes. Porcupines, grysbok, otters and mongoose can also occasionally be spotted.
The Grand Vlei in Green Point has been preserved and incorporated into this fantastic park. Stroll along the Wetlands Walk and learn more about the area's biodiversity. The Two Oceans Aquarium is also just a few kilometres down the road from here. Khayelitsha Wetlands Park is an exceptional example of nature coexisting with human development. Showcasing a vibrant natural wetland, environmental education centre, children's play park and African murals, this wetland serves as an amazing gateway into Khayelitsha's heritage.
Our connection with nature and particularly wetlands is essential for maintaining our health and wellbeing. Invasive species, pollution, unsustainable development and climate change are all taking their toll with wetlands under more pressure than ever before. Unlike ancient woodland and rainforest that take centuries to regenerate, new technology means WWT can create new wetlands in a matter of months and years.
WWT has updated their privacy and cookies policy We use cookies on this site to improve your user experience. Incredible things happen when land and water meet. Why wetlands are amazing Wetlands teem with biodiversity. Every year new species are discovered in freshwater wetlands. Coastal wetlands like mangroves are among the most biologically diverse places on earth. Action to protect wetlands is a key part of the fight against climate change. With climate and weather-related hazards becoming ever more frequent, we need our wetlands now more than ever.
As a major source of employment globally, wetlands are ideally placed to deliver sustainable livelihoods. From rice farming to fishing, tourism to transport, wetlands host a diverse range of jobs that support entire communities.
As water use increases, more and more people around the world are facing shortages. As this growing water crisis threatens both people and our planet, wetlands are more essential than ever.
And several states have passed laws to regulate activities in wetlands, and many municipalities include wetlands conservation in their development permitting and zoning processes. Readers can do their part by staying current on local zoning laws, keeping an eye on local wetlands and speaking up if something looks amiss.
Potential problems are much easier to resolve early on than after damage is done, so speaking up soon can often lead to more successful and less contentious outcomes. Send questions to: earthtalk emagazine. Subscribe : www. Free Trial Issue : www. Already a subscriber?
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