Why are swamps important?

Swamps are important ecosystems for many reasons. Let us look at some of them.

Swamps are an important habitat

Many different types of animals live in swamps including birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals and invertebrates such as crabs, crayfish and shrimp.

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Swamps help filter water

Plants and microorganisms in swamps naturally remove pollutants, excess nutrients and sediment from the water. This makes the water cleaner and safer to use.

Swamps help prevent flooding

When it rains heavily, swamps can absorb much of the water. This makes flooding less likely in areas near swamps.

Swamps help fight climate change

Carbon dioxide is a gas that is making the earth warmer and causing climate change. The trees and other plants in swamps help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Swamps also store carbon in the soil. This helps to fight climate change.