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Diversity
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Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation
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Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Biodiversity Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 4605

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lele Liu

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Guest Editor
School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
Interests: soil microbial community; soil chemical environment and microbial community; plant ecology; community ecology; common reed; coastal wetland; molecular ecology
Dr. Yaolin Guo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Interests: coastal ecology; plant ecology; biological invasions; biogeography; evolutionary ecology
Dr. Youzheng Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
Interests: wetland biodiversity; biological invasions; global change biology; biogeography
Prof. Dr. Weihua Guo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
Interests: wetland; genetic diversity; plant functional traits; ecosystem

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This issue is dedicated to investigating the complex and vital relationships that define the ecological integrity of freshwater, marsh, coastal, and artificial wetlands. In an era marked by rapid environmental change, the preservation and understanding of these ecosystems have become increasingly critical.

The background for this research is rooted in the profound alterations our planet is undergoing. Global change, encompassing climate shifts, pollution, and habitat degradation, coupled with direct human interventions, is reshaping the very fabric of wetland ecosystems. Issues such as eutrophication, salt stress, the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes, and the pervasive presence of microplastics are posing unprecedented challenges to wetland biodiversity.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to elucidate the consequences of these environmental pressures on the structure and function of wetland ecosystems. By focusing on the responses and ecological roles of key species or groups—whether they are native dominants, invasive species, or those facing the threat of extinction—we aim to uncover the mechanisms driving changes in biodiversity patterns. This knowledge is essential for developing effective conservation strategies and management practices that can sustain wetland ecosystems in the face of ongoing global and anthropogenic disturbances.

This Special Issue seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on wetland ecosystems by addressing the following themes:

  • The impact of global change and anthropogenic disturbances on wetland biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • The ecological and evolutionary responses of key species or groups to environmental stressors.
  • The role of invasive species and biological invasions in altering wetland community dynamics.
  • The conservation challenges and opportunities in the context of changing wetland landscapes.

We invite you to join us in this important endeavor by submitting your research findings and insights to this Special Issue. Together, we can advance our understanding of wetland ecosystems and their conservation in the face of a rapidly changing world.

Warm regards,

Dr. Lele Liu
Dr. Yaolin Guo
Dr. Youzheng Zhang
Prof. Dr. Weihua Guo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • wetland biodiversity
  • ecosystem conservation
  • global change biology
  • anthropogenic disturbance
  • biological invasion

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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18 pages, 1340 KB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Limnomysis benedeni Czerniavsky, 1882 and Other Invaders in the Danube Floodplain Kopački Rit Nature Park, Croatia
by Viktorija Ergović, Miran Koh, Natalija Vučković, Mario Rumišek, Dubravka Čerba, Barbara Vlaičević and Zlatko Mihaljević
Diversity 2025, 17(9), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17090630 - 8 Sep 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
The Danube in Croatia serves as an important transport route but also favors the spread of invasive species, especially in the floodplain areas. Many of them originate from the Ponto-Caspian region and influence European ecosystems with their migrations. One of these species, Limnomysis [...] Read more.
The Danube in Croatia serves as an important transport route but also favors the spread of invasive species, especially in the floodplain areas. Many of them originate from the Ponto-Caspian region and influence European ecosystems with their migrations. One of these species, Limnomysis benedeni, a mysid shrimp, thrives in shallow waters and plays a crucial role as a food source for fish. L. benedeni was first recorded in Croatia in 2004 in Lake Sakadaš (Kopački Rit). Prior to the study on aquatic macroinvertebrates in Kopački Rit Nature Park, conducted from July 2020 to July 2023, there had been no documented records in recent years. Sampling was carried out seasonally for macroinvertebrates and monthly for environmental parameters at 15 sites within the park or in the immediate vicinity. Samples were collected according to standard AQEM methodology. A total of 21 macroinvertebrate groups (407 taxa), out of which the most diverse were Diptera with 20 families, were identified in this study, including nine allochthonous species in addition to L. benedeni. The most abundant populations of L. benedeni were found in the Danube, the Petreš channel, and Vemeljski Dunavac channel, which supply the floodplain with water from the Danube. Most individuals were collected in summer and spring, with the highest density being 741 individuals per square meter. Environmental parameters such as water level, type of habitats, pH values, chemical oxygen demand, and phosphorus content, were statistically significant for the distribution of species. The dominant microhabitat for L. benedeni in Kopački Rit was argyllal in combination with coarse particulate organic matter and wood debris, and the composition of these microhabitats remained consistent throughout the seasons. L. benedeni was the only crustacean species to establish a stable population in the floodplain area, excluding Asellus aquaticus (water louse), a cosmopolitan species. The ongoing influence of L. benedeni on the native community still remains to be determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)
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14 pages, 1597 KB  
Article
Relationship Between Groundwater Level and Rodent Community Structure Mediated by Nutrient Composition of Plants in Dongting Lake, China
by Tian Huang, Yiying He, Tonglin Yu, Meiwen Zhang, Chen Zhang, Yunlin Zhao, Junxiang Lin, Xiaoning Nan, Zhiyuan Hu and Zhenggang Xu
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080587 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
The Dongting Lake wetland is an important habitat for rodents. In order to understand the structural characteristics of rodent communities and the effect of groundwater level on them, this study explored the changes in rodent community structure in four different habitats (Carex, Reeds, [...] Read more.
The Dongting Lake wetland is an important habitat for rodents. In order to understand the structural characteristics of rodent communities and the effect of groundwater level on them, this study explored the changes in rodent community structure in four different habitats (Carex, Reeds, Carex + Reeds, and Poplar) from 2003 to 2023. Meanwhile, the relationships between groundwater level, nutrient composition of Carex brevicuspis, and structural characteristics of rodent communities were analyzed. The results showed that the advantages of rodent species in the four different habitats are different, and the community structure of rodents has undergone significant changes in recent years. A significant correlation between groundwater level and the nutrient composition of C. brevicuspis was found. Further analysis shows a significant correlation between the nutritional components of C. brevicuspis and the population structure of rodents. Crude protein, total phosphorus, and dry matter were three key plant nutrient indicators that were significantly correlated with both capture rate and the community diversity index (p < 0.05). Total phosphorus and crude protein were significantly negatively correlated with capture rate and Simpson’s index (p < 0.05), but significantly positively correlated with Pielou’s index and Shannon–Wiener’s index (p < 0.05), while the dry matter was completely opposite. The research conclusions suggest that different habitats and groundwater levels affect different characteristics of rodent community structures, and that plant nutrients are likely to be the mediator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)
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15 pages, 8519 KB  
Article
Microplastics Alter Growth and Reproduction Strategy of Scirpus mariqueter by Modifying Soil Nutrient Availability
by Pengcheng Jiang, Jingwen Gao, Junzhen Li, Ming Wu, Xuexin Shao and Niu Li
Diversity 2025, 17(7), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070472 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 371
Abstract
Microplastic pollution threatens coastal wetland ecosystems, yet its impacts on the dominant plant species and soil properties remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of four microplastic types (PP, PE, PS, PET) at three concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1% w/w) on [...] Read more.
Microplastic pollution threatens coastal wetland ecosystems, yet its impacts on the dominant plant species and soil properties remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of four microplastic types (PP, PE, PS, PET) at three concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1% w/w) on Scirpus mariqueter, a keystone species in the coastal wetlands of China, and the associated soil physicochemical properties. In a controlled pot experiment, microplastics significantly altered the plant biomass, vegetative traits, and reproductive strategies, with type-specific and concentration-dependent responses. PET and PE strongly suppressed the belowground and total biomass (p < 0.05), with reductions in the belowground biomass of 42.87% and 44.13%, respectively, at a 0.1% concentration. PP promoted seed production, particularly increasing the seed number by 25.23% at a 0.1% concentration (p < 0.05). The soil NH4+-N, moisture, and EC were key mediators, with NH4+-N declines linked to biomass reductions via nitrogen limitation. The Spearman correlations confirmed strong associations between the plant traits and soil properties, particularly nitrogen forms. These findings reveal that microplastics disrupt wetland plant performance and soil environments, potentially impairing carbon sequestration and ecosystem stability. Our study underscores the urgent need for microplastic risk assessments in coastal wetlands and highlights soil–microbe–plant interactions as critical mechanisms for future investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)
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13 pages, 1949 KB  
Article
Population Viability Analysis Revealed the Vulnerability of Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) in Poyang Lake
by Bin Wu, Weiping Wang, Yuehua Wang and Zhihong Zhang
Diversity 2025, 17(6), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17060410 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 853
Abstract
Poyang Lake in China is the most critical habitat and final refuge for the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), YFP. In 2022, its population reached approximately 492 individuals, an increase of 35 from the 457 individuals recorded in 2017, showing a [...] Read more.
Poyang Lake in China is the most critical habitat and final refuge for the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis), YFP. In 2022, its population reached approximately 492 individuals, an increase of 35 from the 457 individuals recorded in 2017, showing a steady upward trend. The infrequent movement of YFPs between Poyang Lake and the Yangtze River represents a considerable threat to the long-term viability of this population. Additionally, serious water shortages in the lake during the dry season have led the government to consider the establishment of a hydraulic project. Therefore, a reliable risk assessment and quantitative analysis of conservation scenarios are urgently needed for this population. Population viability analysis of the YFP population in Poyang Lake was conducted using the VORTEX software. The baseline model predicted a probability of extinction of 0.241 over the next 100 years, with no probability of extinction in the first 30 years; the genetic diversity would be on a continuous downward trend and decline by 91.5%. The comprehensive protection model predicted a probability of extinction of 0.0028 and that the genetic diversity would be maintained at about 0.996 in 100 years. Breeding rate, sex ratio at birth, mortality rate, and gene flow were the factors that were sensitive to maintaining population viability. The results showed that the population of YFPs in Poyang Lake was at a high risk of extinction due to the decline in genetic diversity and the higher mortality and lower birth rate caused by habitat degradation. A total ban on productive fishing and the rescue and interchange of YFPs are conducive to enhancing the viability of the YFP population in Poyang Lake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)
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13 pages, 1686 KB  
Article
Spartina alterniflora-Derived Biochar Alters Biomass Allocation and Root Traits of Native Scirpus mariqueter
by Yaoyao Tang, Jingwen Gao, Pengcheng Jiang, Junzhen Li, Ming Wu, Shengwu Jiao, Long Zhang, Niu Li and Xuexin Shao
Diversity 2025, 17(5), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050357 - 18 May 2025
Viewed by 565
Abstract
Coastal wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, yet large-scale removal of invasive Spartina alterniflora disrupts soil carbon pools and fragments habitats. Converting this biomass to biochar may enhance restoration outcomes, though ecological effects remain poorly understood. We evaluated how Spartina alterniflora-derived biochar (0%, [...] Read more.
Coastal wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, yet large-scale removal of invasive Spartina alterniflora disrupts soil carbon pools and fragments habitats. Converting this biomass to biochar may enhance restoration outcomes, though ecological effects remain poorly understood. We evaluated how Spartina alterniflora-derived biochar (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 3%) influences growth performance, clonal reproduction, root morphology, and rhizosphere properties of native Scirpus mariqueter. Moderate biochar addition (1%) significantly boosted plant performance, increasing total biomass by 64.5%, aboveground biomass by 36.7%, and belowground biomass by 115.0%, while root length increased by 135.8%. Biochar improved soil moisture and nutrient availability, including nitrate nitrogen (NO3⁻-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4⁺-N), and available phosphorus (AP), while stimulating nitrification and promoting clonal propagation. In contrast, high-dose biochar (3%) elevated soil salinity and electrical conductivity, leading to suppressed plant growth and reproductive allocation. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between root volume and soil nutrient levels. Our findings demonstrate that moderate application of Spartina alterniflora-derived biochar enhances plant productivity and soil function, potentially improving carbon sequestration in restored coastal wetlands. This study provides insights into ecological recycling of invasive biomass and supports biochar as a viable tool for sustainable wetland restoration, though potential risks at high concentrations warrant further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)
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13 pages, 3446 KB  
Article
Effects of Phenotypic Plasticity and Genetic Variation on Plant Growth and Litter Decomposition in a Widespread Wetland Grass
by Wei Wei, Qishen Wen, Hong Zhu, Huijia Song, Xiya Zhang, Wenyi Sheng, Liujuan Xie, Xiao Guo, Yaolin Guo, Siyuan Ye, Yuzhi Wang, Lele Liu and Weihua Guo
Diversity 2025, 17(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040282 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that provide a wide range of ecological services, such as water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration, where the diversity of wetland plants is fundamental to maintaining these functions. Phragmites australis is a globally widespread wetland grass with a [...] Read more.
Wetlands are crucial ecosystems that provide a wide range of ecological services, such as water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration, where the diversity of wetland plants is fundamental to maintaining these functions. Phragmites australis is a globally widespread wetland grass with a high genetic diversity, exhibiting strong intraspecific variation across environmental gradients. While both phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation are recognized drivers of plant adaptation, their relative importance in mediating the growth and decomposition traits of wetland plants remains debated. Here, we surveyed the growth and litter traits of two lineages (haplotypes) of P. australis in two common gardens in eastern China. The leaf litter of P. australis was also collected from the field in two provinces where the two common gardens are located. Microcosm experiments were carried out to explore the litter decomposition ability. We found that the common garden (growth environment) significantly affected the growth performance (shoot diameter and height), leaf litter stoichiometric traits (contents of N and P), and the leaf decomposition over 180 days. The N content in the leaf litter from the higher-latitude province of Liaoning was greater than that from the lower-latitude province of Shandong, regardless of whether it was collected from the field or the common garden. The litter N and P contents were the key factors affecting the decomposition during the 180-day experiment. However, we did not find the effects of lineage (genetic variation) on the variation of these traits. The climatic factors of the genotype origin were significantly correlated with the growth traits but not the litter traits or decomposition rates. The findings indicate that P. australis in eastern temperate China primarily adapts through phenotypic plasticity rather than genetic variation, which is crucial for wetland resilience in a changing climate. This study underscores the pivotal role of environmental factors and phenotypic plasticity in P. australis growth and decomposition, suggesting that conservation efforts should prioritize the local environment over genetic variation for effective wetland management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)
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18 pages, 2161 KB  
Systematic Review
Biodiversity Monitoring in Constructed Wetlands: A Systematic Review of Assessment Methods and Ecosystem Functions
by Marvin John Uy, Miguel Enrico Robles, Yugyeong Oh, Md Tashdedul Haque, Cloie Chie Mueca and Lee-Hyung Kim
Diversity 2025, 17(5), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050367 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 995
Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are widely implemented as nature-based solutions for delivering essential ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision. However, biodiversity monitoring within CWs remains limited and unevenly integrated into performance evaluations. This scoping review analyzed 76 peer-reviewed studies [...] Read more.
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are widely implemented as nature-based solutions for delivering essential ecosystem services such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision. However, biodiversity monitoring within CWs remains limited and unevenly integrated into performance evaluations. This scoping review analyzed 76 peer-reviewed studies to assess current methods for biodiversity monitoring, explore linkages to ecosystem functions, and examine the diversity indices most frequently applied. Results revealed a predominant focus on microbial communities, primarily assessed through high-throughput sequencing and general ecological indices such as the Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index and Chao1 Richness Estimator, with limited taxonomic depth or functional specificity. Plant and animal biodiversity were addressed less frequently and were rarely linked to treatment outcomes or ecosystem services beyond regulation. Vertical subsurface flow systems were the most studied configuration, particularly in lab-scale studies, while free water surface systems exhibited greater microbial phylum richness. These findings highlight a critical need for CW-specific biodiversity monitoring frameworks that integrate microbial, plant, and faunal assessments using functionally relevant phylogenetic indices such as Rao’s Quadratic Entropy and Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity. Emphasis on standardization, trait-based analyses, and mechanistic approaches is essential for enhancing ecological interpretation and ensuring biodiversity is recognized as a central component of CW design, performance, and resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wetland Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation)
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