The Importance Of Wetlands

Wetlands prevent flooding by holding water much like a sponge. By doing so, wetlands help to keep river levels normal, filter and purify the surface water. Wetlands accept water during storms and water levels are high. When water levels are low, wetlands slowly release water. Wetlands also release vegetative matter into rivers, which helps feed fish in the rivers. Wetlands help to counter balance. The human effect on rivers by rejuvenating them and surrounding ecosystems. Many animals that live in other habitats use wetlands for migration or reproduction. While wetlands are truly unique, they must not think as isolated and independent habitat. To the contrary, wetlands are vital to the health of all other biomes and to wildlife directly improve

The livelihood and culture of large numbers of people, in almost every country of the world, will be endangered if wetland resources become further depleted. A major portion of fisheries production, most hunting, much forest production and a significant part of ecotourism will be lost worldwide, as well as elements of heritage and environmental quality. It is important to stress, however, that it is not sufficient just to protect the populations of plants and animals that are directly exploited; their health and survival, or sustainability, depend on maintaining the whole complex of biodiversity that characterizes wetland ecosystems. Decline in a wetland will affect associated systems; loss of nursery habitat could reduce coastal fishery yields or loss of a wetland on a flyway could disrupt waterfowl migration, threatening the capacity of individual birds to reproduce and eventually the survival of population or

Such places are complex and dynamic ecosystems with the abundance of flora and fauna. Wetlands in Malaysia are mostly mangroves, they account for about 11.7% of the total area of Southeast Asia mangroves. Malaysia presently has five sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with the total surface area of 55, 355 hectares. Kuching Wetland National Park, Sarawak designated as a wetland of International Importance on the 8th November 2005 and the area is 6,610 hectares. Pulau Kukup Johor designated as a Wetland of International Importance on the 31st January 2003 and the surface area is 657 hectares. It identified as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) for Malaysia. Sungai Pulai Johor designated as Wetland of International Importance on the 31st January 2003. It is a largest riverine mangroves system in Johor, located at the estuary of Sungai Pulai. Tanjung Piai Johor designated as a Wetland of International Importance on the 31st January 2003. The surface area is 526 hectares and consists of coastal mangroves and inter-tidal mudflats located at the southernmost tip of continental Asia. Tasik Bera, Pahang designated as Wetland of International Importance on the 10th November 1994. The surface area is 38,446