riparian
adjective

- relating to wetlands adjacent to rivers and streams

Oxford Languages

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WORD ORIGIN

The term riparian derives from the Latin riparius and riparia meaning “shore”.

First appearing in English in the 19th century, “riparian” refers to things that exist alongside a river (such as riparian wetlands, habitats, trees, etc.).

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AMAZING AMAZONAS

The riparian regions of the Amazonas, also known as the Amazon River floodplain, are among the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems on the planet. Some fascinating facts about these regions:

- The riparian regions of the Amazonas cover an area of over 200,000 square kilometers, and stretch over six countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

- The Amazon River floodplain is characterized by its annual flooding, which can raise the water level by up to 15 meters during the rainy season. This flooding creates a unique and dynamic environment that is home to a vast array of plant and animal species.

- The riparian regions of the Amazonas are home to some of the largest and most iconic species in the world, including the Amazon river dolphin, the giant otter, and the black caiman. The region is also home to over 1,500 species of birds, including the iconic harpy eagle.

- The Amazon River floodplain is also incredibly important to the livelihoods of the people who live in the region. The annual flooding provides vital nutrients to the soil, which is used for agriculture and fishing.

- Despite their importance, the riparian regions of the Amazonas are under threat from a variety of human activities, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this vital ecosystem, but much more needs to be done to ensure its long-term survival.

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SYNONYMS

bank, bankside, brookside, creek-side, floodplains, marsh, RIPARIAN (forest, strip, region, zone), riverbank, riverfront, riverside, river’s edge, streambank, streamside, waterfront, wetland

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“I never realised how important RIPARIAN regions are to our natural habitat."

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