ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a general overview of the types of wildlife that wetlands – both naturally occurring as well as constructed or man-made – can attract rather than an exhaustive treatment of the subject. It includes an introduction to the importance of wetland ecosystems as wildlife habitat, an overview of the types of wildlife associated with naturally occurring wetlands in the United States, and design considerations, issues, and research needs concerning wildlife utilization of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment. The chapter also examines how constructed wetlands might augment the nation’s diminished wetlands inventory and provide additional habitat for wildlife. The conglomerate of wetland poikilotherms includes species totally dependent on wetlands, such as fish and amphibians, as well as those species requiring wetlands for only a limited period of their life cycle, such as reptiles. In conclusion, constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment is a shining example of finding creative solutions to tough problems.
