Riparian forest

Characteristics

Riparian forests are subject to frequent inundation.

Riparian forests help control sediment, reduce the damaging effects of flooding, and aid in stabilizing stream banks.

Riparian zones are transition zones between an upland terrestrial environment and an aquatic environment. Organisms found in this zone are adapted to periodic flooding. Many not only tolerate it, but require it in order to maintain health and complete their lifestyles.

Invertebrate communities rely on riparian forests due to their unique characteristics. The constant process of flooding and drought allow for insect communities to flourish since alluvial depositions of nutrients and vital food sources like leaf litter due to their high rate of productivity. These aspects of Riparian forests make them hugely important in the life cycles of invertebrates like insects throughout the world. Decomposers, like the Lepidostoma unicolor, Which can be found in northwestern North America, rely on these external nutritional subsidies for food sources. Many decomposers are in their larval stage when they are in the streams or rivers along riparian forests.

Threats

Threats to riparian forests:

• Cleared for agricultural use because of the good soil quality
• Historically, trees used as wood fuel for steamships, steam locomotives, etc.
• Urban development (housing, roads, malls, etc.)
• Grazing
• Mining
• Disrupted hydrology, such as dams and levees, which reduces the amount and/or frequency of flooding
• Invasive species