Terrestrial Habitats: Wetlands / Sesonyan
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Terrestrial Habitats: Wetlands / Sesonyan
Rivers, streams, swamps, and ponds are examples of wetlands, called sesonyan in Chamoru. Wetlands hold water for extended periods of the year, are highly fertile and support a variety of animal and plant life able to exist in a saturated environment. Ito' (catfish), uhang såddok(shrimp) and asuli (freshwater eel) and the endangered Pulattat (Common Moorhen) live only in wetlands. Karisu (grass), uchaga-lane (sedge) and chå'guan saddok(pondweed) as well as woody vegetation such as pågu (hibiscus) and langasat are examples of wetland plants that may be found growing in or adjacent to wetlands. Wetlands are also important to public safety and health. Wetlands reduce the likelihood of flooding by holding rainwater runoff and by trapping eroded soils and retaining pollutants, they improve water quality.
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
