Ponds are small and shallow bodies of freshwater (below 8ha) and can be artificial or naturally occuring. Man-made ponds include those on farms intended to raise fish and other animals. Naturally occuring ponds can occur all throughout the world and feature a small shallow body of water generally surrounded by plants and grass or a similar type of terrain. Ponds of this depth are unique because sunlight is allowed to reach the bottom making ponds a breeding ground for aquatic plants and algae. For this reason the animals that like to inhabit these areas are those that enjoy shallow water and aquatic plants. Animals that live in shallow ponds include freshwater fish, amphibians, wading birds and insects. Specific examples include frogs, molluscs, bats, worms and snakes. Many animals use the pond habitat as a breeding ground, using the plants and murky water as camoflage and protection. Other animals use this area for feeding because of the large amount of insects that are known to flourish here. The plant and algae material provide nutrients to many animals making ponds of this depth perfect areas for animals of varying types to live and breed whether it is artificially man-made or not.
Carnivores
Cameroon clawless otter
North american otter
La plata otter
Huillin
Common otter
Speckle-throated otter
Hairy-nosed otter
Indian smooth-coated otter
Giant brazilian otter
Dugongs, manatees, and sea cows
American manatee
African manatee
Read more at the list of
biomes of the world...