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An Introduction to Wetland Science and South Asian Wetlands

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Abstract

A novice student in wetland science may initially find oneself in a state of dilemma about how do wetlands differ from waterbodies. Further, the student might get baffled on coming across multiple definitions of the term “wetland”. The present chapter attempts to elucidate confusion over this fundamental issue at the outset and then leads the student to gain multi-faceted knowledge about wetlands including extent, distribution and types of wetlands in the world and in South Asia (especially, in India). We also discuss meaning and significance of hydric soil, hydrology and hydrophytes, issues of threats impacting wetlands, wetland conservation and conservation policies (especially, Ramsar Convention). The chapter is specifically written for the students of South Asian countries where the subject of wetland science or wetland ecology is not as widely found in formal university curriculum as in the developed countries of Europe and North America.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Indroda Nature Park, PO Sector 7, Gandhinagar, 382007, India

    Ketan S. Tatu

  2. Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 6125, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6125, USA

    James T. Anderson

Authors
  1. Ketan S. Tatu
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  2. James T. Anderson
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Correspondence to Ketan S. Tatu .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Impact Assessment Division, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj, Gujarat, India

    B. Anjan Kumar Prusty

  2. Terrestrial Ecology Division, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj, Gujarat, India

    Rachna Chandra

  3. Sálim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

    P. A. Azeez

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Tatu, K.S., Anderson, J.T. (2017). An Introduction to Wetland Science and South Asian Wetlands. In: Prusty, B., Chandra, R., Azeez, P. (eds) Wetland Science . Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-3715-0_1

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