The Riparian Zone

Riparian Areas

Riparian areas are very important and valuable habitat for land-based and water-based wildlife. The shoreline area includes the first 30 metres of land around a lake or river. Native wildlife species like birds, mammals, insects, fish, reptiles, and amphibians depend on shoreline habitat for food, water, shelter, and breeding. The riparian zone supports 70% of land-based wildlife and 90% of aquatic species at some point in their lifetime.