Patrick J. Dugan Libri

Along the shores of Lake Ontario, over 90 percent of wetlands have been sacrificed for land use. In the lower Mississippi valley, floodplain forests have drastically diminished from 39,000 to 7,000 square miles due to agricultural expansion. Historically viewed as wastelands, wetlands are vital ecosystems teeming with diverse plant and animal life. Their destruction threatens numerous species and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands who depend on their resources. This illustrated volume provides comprehensive coverage of wetlands, examining the dangers they face and the urgent need for preservation. It explores regions from North America's Prairie Pothole area to South Asia's mangroves, showcasing remarkable wildlife adaptations, such as the African lungfish's ability to breathe air and conserve energy during dry spells, and the crocodile's impressive tooth regeneration. The book highlights the lives of people reliant on wetlands, including the fisher-people of the Sudd and the Ma'dan of Iraq, who have thrived for millennia in these ecosystems. It also addresses the consequences of wetland loss, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. Accompanied by detailed maps, this work calls for a reevaluation of our impact on these critical environments and the delicate ecological balance they maintain.