Ecosystems

Swamps

1 reserve protects this ecosystem

About the Ecosystem

These are environments in which water is the fundamental component, forming a permanent or semi-permanent layer. They occupy the lowest positions in the landscape, in areas of flat topography. The plant and animal species living there are specially adapted to these conditions. They provide important ecosystem services: runoff regulation, filtering of surface waters and biodiversity conservation. At the global level there is the Ramsar Convention, which promotes their conservation and to which Uruguay is a party. One third of Esteros y Algarrobales belongs to the Esteros de Farrapos Ramsar Site.

Did You Know...

Natural Regulators

Marshlands, marshes and other kinds of wetlands perform a very important regulating function: they filter particles suspended in the water and regulate the flow of water towards watercourses. Many plant and animal species live exclusively in these environments.

Legal Protection

Nowadays, many wetlands are legally protected and cannot be affected by productive activities. Uruguay is a party to the Ramsar Convention, which promotes the conservation of these ecosystems worldwide.

Home of the Grass-cutting Ant

Marshlands are one of the favourite habitats of the grass-cutting ant (Atta vollenweiderii), whose colonies can contain millions of individuals. This species is considered an ecosystem bioengineer because of its ability to modify the environment it lives in.

Typical Species of this Ecosystem

Capuchino de Boina Gris

Sporophila cinnamomea

BirdsVulnerable

A small grassland passerine

Ganso Blanco

Coscoroba coscoroba

BirdsConservation priority

A large, entirely white bird with a pink bill and an elegant, long-necked flight. The Coscoroba Swan lives in lagoons, marshes, swamps and wetlands. Its main threats are the drainage and degradation of wetlands, human disturbance during breeding and illegal hunting. Protecting wetlands is essential for its survival.