The World's Largest Wetlands Ecology and Conservation [Hardcover]

Experts share their understanding of the ecology of large wetlands, their significance and their conservation.This volume presents the views of leading experts on each of the world's largest wetland systems. This international team of authors share their understanding of the ecological dynamics of large wetlands and their significance, and emphasise their need of conservation.This volume presents the views of leading experts on each of the world's largest wetland systems. This international team of authors share their understanding of the ecological dynamics of large wetlands and their significance, and emphasise their need of conservation.During the past century approximately fifty percent of the world's wetlands have been destroyed, largely due to human activities. Increased human population has lead to shrinkage of wetland areas, and data show that as they shrink, their important functions decline. Reduced wetland area causes more flooding in Spring, less available water during drought, greater risk of water pollution, and less food production and reduced carbon storage. Much of the remaining pristine wetland systems are found in the world's largest wetlands, and yet these areas have received surprisingly little scientific research or attention. This volume presents the views of leading experts on each of the world's largest wetland systems. Here, this international team of authors share their understanding of the ecological dynamics of large wetlands and their significance, and emphasise their need of conservation.1. Introduction: big is beautiful P. A. Keddy and L. H. Fraser; 2. The West Siberian lowland peatland ecosystems: importance for biodiversity protection and carbon accumulation A. I. Solomeshch; 3. Amazonian wetlands Wolfgang J. Junk and Maria Teresa Fernandez Piedade; 4. The Hudson Bay lowland: a unique wetland legacy Kenneth F. Abraham; 5. The Pantanal Cleber J. R. Alho; 6. The Mackenzie River Basin wetland complex Dale H. Vitt, Linda A. Halsey and Blc*