The nature and distribution of wetlands around cities is changing at an unprecedented rate, with artificial wetlands increasingly dominating urban landscapes. The consequences of these changes for animals, however, are largely unknown. Some wetlands might play an important role in conserving animals in areas where natural wetlands have been lost or highly degraded. In contrast, if the fitness of animals using artificial wetlands is compromised, they pose a risk to biodiversity in urban landscapes. This risk will be exacerbated if such wetlands are acting as ‘ecological traps’ – poor quality habitats that are mistakenly preferred by animals.
We have recently initiated a research project to examine the ecological costs and benefits of artificial urban wetlands for native animals, to help ensure wetland construction and management maximises biodiversity outcomes. We are addressing four main aims: (1.) how does wetland quality vary (2.) does wetland quality influence the fitness of animals, (3.) can animals recognise and do they prefer high quality wetlands, and (4.) if not, what are the underlying causes? We will present preliminary results from work addressing the third and fourth of these aims, in terms of examining the responses of a native wetland fish, the Dwarf Galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), to potential habitat selection cues and sensory pollutants. We will also outline our future plans for work addressing the other aims.