Wetland Loss and Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract: Most species of wetland‐dependent organisms live in multiple local populations sustained through occasional migration. Retention of minimum wetland densities in human‐dominated landscapes is fundamental to conserving these organisms. An analysis of wetland mosaics was performed for two regions of the northeastern United States to assess the degree to which historical wetland loss alters the metrics of wetland mosaics and to assess potential future effects mediated by differently structured wetland regulations. These analyses indicated that profound reductions in wetland density and proximity are associated with increased human populations and that protections for all wetlands > 1 acre (0.4 ha) are likely required to retain wetland densities minimally sufficient to sustain the wetland biota.