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Riparian Zone: Facts, Threats, Flora and Fauna

Everything you need to know about these rich, riverside ecosystems
Text by: Nisarg Prakash
Design by: Diviya Mehra
Updated   Apr 26, 2024

Text by: Nisarg Prakash Design by: Diviya Mehra

Updated   Apr 26, 2024
1 min read
Everything you need to know about these rich, riverside ecosystems
Listen Listen to this article 15:34 min

What are riparian zones?

Riparian zones are fringe habitats bordering freshwater ecosystems such as rivers. They are often narrow strips where land and water meet.

What kind of species are found in riparian zones?

In a riparian zone you may see species such as otters, grizzled giant squirrels, fish eagles and a wide variety of other bird life.

Why are riparian zones important?

Riparian habitats prevent soil erosion by holding the riverbank soil together and reduce the impact of floods and droughts, among other things. 

About the Authors

Nisarg Prakash

Nisarg Prakash

is a wildlife biologist working with Roundglass Sustain. A large part of my work before Sustain has been along streams and rivers, in the process trying to understand otters better

Diviya Mehra

Diviya Mehra

is a graphic designer. She was the former art director of National Geographic Traveller. Her love for animals, travel and design has shaped her career through the years.