Swamps and Marshes

Swamps and marshes are shallow bodies of water that are also habitats for certain animals. They are among those areas that are referred to as wetlands, or land areas submerged in shallow water and located between dry land and bigger bodies of water. The most distinct difference between a swamp and a marsh is that certain types of trees and woody shrubs grow in swamps while only grasses grow in marshes. Some marshes may also develop near seas and these are called saltwater marshes.

Swamps and marshes are found in all parts of the world, except for Antarctica. There are some 22 major swamps and marshes in the Philippines. The Candaba Swamp in Central Luzon has become a favorite spot for bird watching as varied species of rare migratory birds and ducks from other countries flock to the swamp during the months from October to April. The Liguasan Marsh in Central Mindanao has also been declared as a sanctuary for birds and fowl.

Other than birds and ducks, animals that make swamps and marshes their habitats include beavers, fish, frogs, shellfish, and even snakes. Because of the stagnant water in these habitats, insects breed and thrive in them; insects are food for fish, frogs, and shellfish. In turn, shellfish provide food for the birds, ducks, and other fowl that flock to these bodies of water.