Dispersal and wetland fragmentation

Wetlands provide habitat for a diverse array of aquatic and semiaquatic species, many of which provide direct economic and recreational value. Despite the ecosystem services provided by wetland fauna and flora, historical wetland loss has been dramatic. Wetland loss was >50% in the USA and 60-70% in Europe by the 1980s, with most losses resulting from agriculture and urban development. Although habitat loss can result from natural, stochastic events, anthropogenic habitat loss and subsequent fragmentation are among the most important drivers of biodiversity loss. One mechanism underlying the loss of biodiversity after habitat loss and fragmentation is the breakdown of wetland connectivity previ- ously maintained by dispersal.