S. H. Anderson and K. S. Summerville
Abstract: North American wetland ecosystems are believed to have supported substantial waterfowl biodiversity. Loss of wetland habitats, however, has been severe in many Midwestern states, including Iowa. Two unanswered questions facing land managers interested in restoring wetlands to the Iowan landscape are to what level are waterfowl using restored wetlands compared to natural wetlands and what factors are playing a role in the selection process? This study reports data from eight restored or natural wetlands in central Iowa. There were a total of 11 species of waterfowl surveyed and species displayed a distinct preference between which wetlands were selected. Species abundance was marginally higher on natural wetlands compared to restored wetlands. Sheet water wetlands, especially restored sheet water wetlands, contained the greatest species abundance. Sheet water wetlands also contained the highest species richness and again a single restored sheet water wetlands contained the highest species richness. Natural wetlands have the greatest species abundance and richness when a single outlier is removed.