Effects of Phragmites australis invasion and management on Great Lakes coastal wetland fauna: A taxon-based review

Great Lakes coastal wetlands are among the most biologically diverse and ecologically significant freshwater ecosystems in North America, yet they are increasingly threatened by the spread of Phragmites australis subsp. australis . Phragmites australis has transformed wetland structure and function across the Great Lakes basin, reducing habitat heterogeneity and altering biodiversity patterns. Despite extensive management efforts, outcomes of invasive P. australis control on wetland fauna remain inconsistently documented across taxa and regions. This review synthesizes 32 empirical studies published between 2006 and 2025 that examine the effects of P. australis invasion and management on Great Lakes coastal wetland biodiversity, including birds, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Most studies have focused on birds, invertebrates, and herpetofauna, with relatively few assessing fish or mammal responses. Across taxa, invasion by P. australis generally reduces species richness and abundance, and favors habitat generalists, while treatments such as herbicide application and hydrological restoration can facilitate partial recovery of native communities. Our synthesis highlights the need for coordinated taxon-inclusive monitoring and longer-term studies to understand ecosystem responses to invasion and management.