Wetlands in the Campos Sulinos: Diversity, Functions, and Threats

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on the earth, with enormous ecological and social importance. Here, we cover most of the recent knowledge produced in relation to the wetland ecosystems of Pampa and South Brazilian highland grasslands (Campos Sulinos). We review the main drivers of the biodiversity of small wetlands; the contribution of specific land-management practices to wetland-dependent wildlife; the importance of dispersal processes to the biodiversity of isolated wetlands; the occurrence of endemic and endangered annual fish species; and the importance of restoration initiatives in impacted wetlands. Finally, we provide some suggestions that provide relevant information to wetland conservation and management in the Campos Sulinos. The wetlands of the Campos Sulinos present high biological diversity for different groups of organisms (invertebrates and vertebrates). The conservation of the wetlands will guarantee the maintenance of a large part of the region’s biological and genetic diversity and will provide natural resources to local human population. In addition, the conservation of wetlands will provide leisure and recreation areas for the urban population, and minimize the negative impacts that floods bring to large- and medium-sized cities.