Anguilla’s wetlands provide important habitats for many bird species, including endangered roseate terns Sterna dougallii, least terns Sternula antillarum, and red-billed tropic-birds Phaethon aethereus, a species of special conservation concern. Many fish and shellfish species also depend on the wetlands during at least one stage of their life cycles, because of the unique nutrient profiles and structural properties of the wetland habitat space. As well as providing habitat, the wetlands also help buffer against flooding during hurricanes, storm surges, and heavy rain.