Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve - The Wetlands Food Web

The Wetlands Food Web

The various species which inhabit the Cardiff Bay Wetlands exist in a dynamic food web. Very small creatures such as midge larvae and worms live in the mud underneath the wetlands. These are eaten by several bird species such as Snipe. Other insects also use this transition zone between water and land to spend various phases of their lives – dragonflies live in the aquatic zone as larvae and adults. Sometimes Black-tailed Skimmers can be observed hunting their territories in the reen part of the reserve.

The relationship between plants and animals – birds or insects, can be surprising. Cinnabar moths feed on ragwort whilst in their caterpillar phase.

Fish are also visible in the shallow areas of the Reserve. A number of coarse fish species benefit from the warm water and abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation which exists almost exclusively in this part of the Bay. The water provides excellent nursery conditions, cover, and food for small fish.

Some species of bird spend a lot of time in the reserve because they can feed on fish there. Grey Herons and Kingfishers are often seen on the reserve.