[wpvideo IhQAptlI]Effective wetland enhancement and management requires an understanding of the interrelationships among habitats and resources needed by wetland wildlife to survive and reproduce. Optimizing value and use of wetlands is possible only if wetland structure and function is integrated with knowledge of habitat requirements and life-cycle events of wildlife.

A successfully managed wetland contains foods and cover of the type, quality and distribution that are the same, or functionally similar, to those found in natural, unmanaged wetlands. Creation, enhancement and management of wetlands should aim to provide resources that meet the physiological and behavioral needs of wildlife and emphasize the creation or restoration of natural wetland functions.

The capability of flight allows ducks and geese to exploit a variety of habitats in close proximity. Dabbling ducks use wetlands within an 8-mile radius to meet daily nutritional and physiological requirements. For this reason, providing a complex of different wetland types in a localized area often increases the overall diversity and density of waterfowl species. Wetlands are highly dynamic systems. The productivity and use of wetlands varies among years as well. Therefore, consistent, maximum use or production from any wetland every year should not be expected. The goal is to develop a healthy functioning wetland complex that provides the necessary habitat components to encourage waterfowl use.  Request Free Report

Tags: ducks, enhancement, geese, habitats, management, natural, private, Resources, restoration, wetland