Maintaining mechanisms of riparian invertebrate biodiversity: A review

Abstract

Riparian zones, the critical ecological interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are species rich habitats. However, riparian zones are seriously threatened by human activities in the world. Riparian invertebrates represent a large proportion of riparian biodiversity, perform various ecological functions, and provide an essential link between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Although many studies have investigated the riparian invertebrate communities, there is lacking a comprehensive summary of maintaining mechanisms underlying riparian invertebrate diversity. This review discussed seven characteristics of riparian zones that might support high riparian invertebrate diversity: flood and drought, nutrient, microhabitat diversity, riparian vegetation, microclimate gradients, food resources and river spatial gradients. Further, we summarized the maintaining mechanisms of riparian invertebrate diversity. Disturbances of periodic flood and drought trigger the reproduction and migration of invertebrates, increase the turnover of invertebrate communities, and create suitable conditions for riparian invertebrates. Adequate nutrients support a high invertebrate diversity by increasing primary productivity of riparian habitats. Elevated microhabitat diversity provides a variety of niche space for specialist riparian invertebrates. Strong microclimate gradients provide complex and diverse habitats and thus facilitate the coexistence of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in riparian zones. Cross-ecosystem resource subsidies increase food availability and contribute unique food sources to riparian invertebrates. The differentiation of these factors along river longitudinal and lateral gradients provides conditions for the diversification of riparian invertebrates at a larger scale. Understanding the maintaining mechanisms of riparian invertebrate diversity is important for conservation of riparian biodiversity and integrated management of river ecosystems.