Temporary wetlands: challenges and solutions to conserving a 'disappearing' ecosystem. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Calhoun, Aram J.K.; Mushet, David M.; Bell, Kathleen P.; Boix, Dani; Fitzsimons, James A.; Isselin-Nondedeu, Francis
• Is Part Of: Biological conservation. Volume 211:Part B(2017)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Collaborative conservation -- Connectivity -- Freshwater ecosystems -- Poolscapes -- Small aquatic features; Conservation of natural resources -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2016.11.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3207

Abstract

Abstract: Frequent drying of ponded water, and support of unique, highly specialized assemblages of often rare species, characterize temporary wetlands, such as vernal pools, gilgais, and prairie potholes. As small aquatic features embedded in a terrestrial landscape, temporary wetlands enhance biodiversity and provide aesthetic, biogeochemical, and hydrologic functions. Challenges to conserving temporary wetlands include the need to: (1) integrate freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity priorities; (2) conserve entire 'pondscapes' defined by connections to other aquatic and terrestrial systems; (3) maintain natural heterogeneity in environmental gradients across and within wetlands, especially gradients in hydroperiod; (4) address economic impact on landowners and developers; (5) act without complete inventories of these wetlands; and (6) work within limited or non-existent regulatory protections. Because temporary wetlands function as integral landscape components, not singly as isolated entities, their cumulative loss is ecologically detrimental yet not currently part of the conservation calculus. We highlight approaches that use strategies for conserving temporary wetlands in increasingly human-dominated landscapes that integrate top-down management and bottom-up collaborative approaches. Diverse conservation activities (including education, inventory, protection, sustainable management, and restoration) that reduce landowner and manager costs while achieving desired ecological objectives will have the greatest probability of success in meeting conservation goals. Highlights: Temporary wetlands are small natural features with ephemeral hydrology such as Mediterranean temporary ponds. Temporary wetlands enhance biodiversity and provide functions at scales beyond what would be expected by their size. Loss of temporary wetlands from land alterations and insufficient protections has vast ecological and social consequences. Diverse activities (e.g., education and sustainable management) are needed for meeting conservation goals.