The Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (RARC) assesses the ecological condition of riparian habitats using indicators that reflect functional aspects of the physical, community and landscape features of the riparian zone. The Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition has recently been updated following trials with a number of different groups.

Amy Jansen, Alistar Robertson, Leigh Thompson and Andrea Wilson

» RARC River and Riparian Land Management Technical Guideline  PDF (638kb) number 4A, October 2005
 » RARC Data Calculator Excel Spreadsheet. (34kb)

The Tropical Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (TRARC) is a visual assessment of the riparian zone using simple indicators of condition
» Tropical Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (for use in tropical savannas)

Regional Rapid Appraisals of Riparian Condition
We have tailored the Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition for regions.

Summary

• Riparian habitats are where terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems meet. They are vital sites in a catchment supporting high levels of biodiversity.
• Given the extensive degradation of riparian zones in Australia, there is a need for a rapid method of measuring riparian condition to underpin strategies for improved management.
• Riparian condition refers to the degree to which human-altered ecosystems diverge from local semi-natural ecosystems in their ability to support a community of organisms and perform ecological functions.
• The Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition assesses the ecological condition of riparian habitats using indicators that reflect functional aspects of the physical, community and landscape features of the riparian zone.
• The Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition index is made up of five sub-indices, each with a number of indicators: Habitat continuity and extent (HABITAT), Vegetation cover and structural complexity (COVER), Dominance of natives versus exotics (NATIVES), Standing dead trees, hollows, fallen logs and leaf litter (DEBRIS), and Indicative features (FEATURES).
• The Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition has been tested in three areas in southeastern Australia: on the Murrumbidgee River, in Gippsland, and in the Goulburn- Broken catchment. In all three areas, there was a strong negative relationship between grazing intensity and riparian condition.
• Testing of the Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition index confirms that it is a good indicator of the biodiversity and functioning of riparian zones.
• This Technical Guideline Update is the second version of the Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition, and incorporates a simplified scoring system, additional indicators, and some adjustments to scoring of individual indicators.