Understanding River Landscapes

Wildlife Values

White Throated Tree Creeper

People value river landscapes for the range of wildlife they support including birds, frogs, platypus and native fish. River landscapes are also valuable environments for many land based animals, providing food, shelter and access to water, particularly during drought. The management of riparian lands to maintain land-based ecosystems and to conserve biodiversity must incorporate the protection of riparian vegetation, with factors such as width, composition and continuity of vegetation vital to supporting wildlife communities.

This is a photo of a white-throated treecreeper. These birds live in riparian areas and are used as indicators of riparian health. By protecting and restoring the riparian areas that provide habitat for the white-throated treecreeper, we can ensure that wildlife values are maintained. To do this, riparian management strategies might be used to:

• Provide in-stream habitat
• Promote native vegetation
• Maintain good water quality
• Control weeds
• Control feral animals
• Control stock access

For more information about wildlife values see:

 Fact Sheet 5 - Riparian Habitat for Wildlife

Riparian Land Management Technical Guidelines Volume 1
  Chapter 9 'Riparian wildlife and habitats'
  Chapter 8 'The role of vegetation in riparian management'