FLOODPLAIN WETLANDS: ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND CONSERVATION CHALLENGES

Floodplain wetlands are dynamic ecosystems located along rivers and streams, periodically inundated by floodwaters. They provide critical ecological services, including nutrient cycling, flood regulation, habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species, and water purification. Despite their importance, floodplain wetlands are under pressure from agricultural expansion, urban development, and climate change-induced hydrological alterations. This article reviews the ecological functions, biodiversity significance, and management challenges of floodplain wetlands, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to maintain their ecological integrity and services.