Animals are marshes. What animals live in the marshes

Marshland is a special world of flora and fauna. The nature of the swamp is such that it is inhabited by various animals and grows amazing plants, many of which are listed in the Red Book. From a scientific point of view, a swamp is a kind of a hot piece of land that has a high humidity and acidity. In such places there is constant dampness, powerful evaporation and lack of oxygen (photo of the swamp is presented in the article). If to speak in simple language, then this is an amazing microcosm with a unique vegetation and no less unique inhabitants. That's about them, we'll talk in more detail.

How does the swamp appear?

The soil is swamped by the activities of animals (for example, beavers) or through human fault. When erecting dams and dams designed for the construction of special reservoirs and ponds, the soil inevitably loses its properties, loses the degree of fertility, is silted up. One of the most important conditions for the formation of a swamp is a constant excess of moisture. In turn, excess moisture can be caused by some or other features of the local relief, for example, there are lowlands, in which groundwater and precipitation are constantly flowing.

All this leads to the formation of peat. Soon there is a swamp. The inhabitants of these places are original creatures. The fact is that not every living organism can adapt to life in such extreme conditions, because, as already mentioned, there is always a lack of oxygen here, the soil has a low degree of fertility, and the whole area is characterized by excessive moisture and, of course, high acidity . Therefore, such animals need to be given credit! So, let's get acquainted with these characters closer.

Amphibians

In general, all potential animals in the marshes are numerous, but mostly non-permanent inhabitants of this area. Many of them stop here only for a short period of time, for example, for a season, after which they hasten to leave this gloomy place. Permanent inhabitants of the marshy areas are not so many, but almost everyone knows them. Among them, the most famous and numerous are representatives of the class of amphibians, or amphibians: frogs, toads and newts.

Frogs

Frogs - perhaps the most famous and most numerous inhabitants of the swamp. Many herpetologists (specialists in amphibians and reptiles) consider these creatures to be quite charming creatures and classify them among the most beautiful animals in the world. Indeed, the structure of the body of frogs is unique and unique. Their head is quite large and wide. They do not have a neck. Therefore, the head immediately passes into a short but wide body.

Frogs consist of a detachment of tailless amphibians, which number about 6,000 modern and about 84 fossil species. As can be seen from the name of their detachment, these creatures have neither neck nor tail. But they have two pairs of perfectly developed limbs. Herpetologists referred to tailless amphibians of tree frogs, woodpeckers, sticks, toads and scabbards. Outwardly, they look like frogs, but they are not closely related to them.

In the daytime, these creatures bask in the sun, conveniently located on marsh lilies or on the shore. If a mosquito, beetle or fly passes by, the frog throws its sticky tongue towards the insect with lightning speed. Catching prey, the amphibian immediately swallows it. Frogs reproduce by throwing eggs in the swamp. Residents of such reservoirs are not averse to feasting on frog caviar, so only a few dozens survive out of several thousand eggs thrown into the water.

This happens in early April. It is at this time that frogs awaken after winter anabiosis. On the fifth day of the surviving eggs appear tadpoles. In frogs they turn in 4 months.

The largest frog in the world is the Goliath, which lives in the African republic of Cameroon. This creature reaches a length of 33 cm and weighs up to 4 kg. However, the most common in the world is a green frog. The range of its habitat - the whole of Europe, northwest Africa and Asia. This species of tailless amphibians is found in our swamps more often than others.

Toads

Frogs are companions of frogs. This is another animal living in swamps all year round. From time immemorial these amphibians were known as poisonous creatures. The townsfolk believe that toads have some kind of poisonous slime, which they give their enemies. Many still believe that if a toad is picked up, they are supposed to have warts. This is not quite true. Most of these amphibians are completely harmless to humans. Of course, in tropical countries there are poisonous toads and frogs, but they can be recognized by the corresponding bright color.

Remember: toads living in Russian swamps do not cause any harm to humans. On the contrary, they are useful, exterminating a lot of harmful worms, slugs and flying insects. These creatures are nocturnal and, in contrast to frogs, practically do not need water. That's why in the daytime you can hardly see the toads. Nevertheless, marsh swamps are the best habitat for these amphibians.

Tritons

A detachment of tailed amphibians is represented by salamanders and newts. If the first - it's mostly land creatures, then the newts - it's just the animal marshes. Outwardly, these creatures are somewhat like lizards, but their skin is smooth and moist, and the tail is vertically flat (like fish). The body of the newts has an elongated and spindly structure. Their small head immediately passes into the body, which also goes unnoticed into the tail.

Most newts live permanently in the swamp, spending most of the year there. In doing so, they lead a secretive way of life. It is almost impossible to see a newt in the wild with the naked eye! They are wonderful swimmers, but on the shore these are completely helpless creatures. Representatives of a detachment of tailed amphibians are sedentary animals tied to their home - the swamp. They are inactive and completely unsuitable for long-distance travel.

Mammals

Among the permanent representatives of the mammalian animal class, there are waterfowl rodents: muskrat and aquatic predators - otters. It is worth noting that mammal dwellers of the marsh can live not only in water, but also along its edges. For example, there are water-loving voles and water rats. By the way, they both feel great in this environment: their shelters are moss hills, and the food is cranberry, blueberries and seeds of various herbs.

Ondatras

The homeland of these animals is North America. They were brought to Russia from Canada in 1928. It took quite a bit of time for these creatures to spread all over our country. Ondatras are representatives of a detachment of rodents and permanent animals of marshes. They live in small and large lakes, in river creeks and, of course, in gloomy peatlands. There they, like the beavers in flowing waters, build their own houses of improvised material.

Settlements of these rodents in the swamp are easy to find. Their dwellings have a conical shape and reach a height of almost one meter. The muskrat house has a peculiar structure: one or several special chambers are located inside, and a nest in the center. The theriologists (specialists in mammals) say that this animal is simply created for life in water. Ondatra swims easily and quickly. When you look at this creation, there is no doubt that the swamp is his home!

Otters

These creatures are the largest representatives of the family of kuni from the order of predatory animals. They, like the muskrats, are permanent and irreplaceable animals of swamps, rivers, large and small lakes. Adult individuals reach a length of almost 1 m, and weigh up to 15 kg. These mammals live in almost all parts of our country, except for Antarctica and Australia. Mother nature prepared these animals for dwelling in the water element.

The round head, short but thick neck, barrel-shaped body, thick tail and webbed feet help the otters without effort to cut the water surface. These mammals live around the clock. Since otters are predators, they feed on their own "neighbors" in the swamp: frogs, voles, muskrats, crayfish, worms, snails, snakes. In their free time from hunting, they entertain themselves for their enjoyment, frolicking in the marshy swamps, rolling down from the coast into the water, and so on.

From time to time, otters leave their swampy marshes, going to the so-called "fishing". Several animals swim in a fresh water basin and begin joint hunting for local fishes. The otters together drive a whole school of fish into some narrow strait, where it will be easier for them to catch their prey. Small animals eat small animals without leaving water, and large ones only on the shore.

By the way, according to the nature of its otters - peaceful animals. Their calm character persists for most of the year, however, during a mating season, real bloody battles for a female can arise between male rivals!

Birds living in swamps

Scientists who have studied the animal world of swamps say that this area is quite suitable for the existence of many representatives of the fauna, including birds. For example, succulent stems and fruits of marsh plants are an indispensable source of nutrition for white partridges, marsh owls, waders and ducks. These birds have long been chosen this place and feel quite comfortable here.

Frankly, birds do not really like to settle in these areas. Blackfish and black grouse fly to the marshes occasionally. Apparently, they are driven by the desire to eat delicious berries. According to the scientists, even the gray crane can settle in the rather swampy upper reaches of these places. The thing is that the bog for cranes is a real protection from the external civilization. In addition, not everyone will be able to make their way through such swamps!

Queen of the Marshes

Talking about what animals in the swamp have found shelter, we can not fail to mention the queen of these places - heron. Probably, many of us do not understand the strange predilections of this bird to the swampy terrain. Meanwhile, herons do not settle here by chance! The fact that thickets of bushes, sedge and reeds serve as an excellent protection against predators. Moreover, there is always something to profit from (for example, frogs).

I, of course, can not be called a beautiful bird, but a queen of bogs - quite! Although some ornithologists still believe that certain beauty and even grace are inherent in some degree to this representative of the fauna. Nevertheless, absurd and angular movements, as well as strange, and sometimes frankly clumsy poses, reduce all its beauty to nothing.

Whatever it was, the herons perfectly adapted to life in such an original habitat. It is impossible to imagine these birds outside any water bodies and marshes! They quickly climb in the reeds, move perfectly along the water. But their voice is unpleasant, reminiscent of someone's screaming, or someone's roar. Ornithologists warn that herons are very insidious, and sometimes evil creatures. They live in communities, but they can not be called sociable.

In general, the diet of herons is fish, but there are practically no fish in the marshy areas. This explains the addiction of these creatures to frogs. Herons with great pleasure are flavored by tailless amphibians, crabs, worms and gastropods.

And finally ... Why are there so many frogs on the swamp?

At the beginning of the article, we talked about the harsh conditions of life in the swampy terrain. Since this area has a pronounced increased acidity, many animals and plants in the bog have a low level of oxidation. Such protection was developed by them with time. Especially good is the cold-blooded inhabitants of this area, namely frogs, toads and newts. Perhaps, it is for this reason that they are the most numerous inhabitants of the marshy areas (see photo of the moor).