Cyclic water level dynamics determine wetland functioning

Summary

In natural wetlands, variation in the water level
leads to the drying or flooding of areas, thereby creating new types of
habitats for plants and animals. The presence of dikes and dams limits the
variation (dynamics) in water level in wetlands, which can lead to a decrease
in diversity, for example, in birds. However, it is not known what the
underlying processes are that cause this decline. Therefore, during my PhD
research, I looked into how dynamic water levels impact habitat and food
availability for birds. The research was conducted in the Oostvaardersplassen,
where wet periods with higher water levels are alternated with drier periods
with lower water levels. Based on our results, we conclude that water levels
play an important role in determining habitat and food availability for birds
in clay marshes through a 'reset' of vegetation development and more variation
in water depth.