Riparian Landscapes

Riparian zones extend from the edges of water bodies to upland communities in areas influenced by fresh water. The high biodiversity of riparian areas is created and maintained by inherent nutrient, sediment and biogeochemical processes, variable energy-flow and disturbance regimes, complex habitat, herbivory and other biotic processes. Riparian zones intercept and retain nutrients from upland runoff, as well as intercept and retain nutrients from adjacent streams and floodplains. Effectiveness of riparian buffering depends on soil and vegetative characteristics, as well as on river-riparian connectivity. Riparian zones are energy sources for adjoining aquatic systems via plant litter and arthropods falling into streams. Under natural conditions, large animals significantly influence nutrient and energy flows by altering physical characteristics and by herbivory. Connectivity – both the timing and extent of flows as well as the movements of animals – is fundamental for maintaining biodiversity and ecological services. Riparian zones are among the most vulnerable ecosystems facing global environmental change. Hence, preserving their biodiversity and the associated services is urgent.