Page 200 - Freshwater-Biology-and-Ecology-Handbook

3.4
CHAPTER 4 3.4 - 3.4.2 Sampling exposed river sediments and riparian zones

(by Jon Webb, Natural England and Nick Mott,

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust)

Invertebrates associated with exposed riverine sediments (ERS) and riparian zones are known
to be an important conservation resource. Beetle surveys are a useful approach to assess the
overall quality of the habitats along watercourse corridors. Beetles are considered to be one of
the best overall ‘indicators of habitat quality’ because of their incredible diversity and individual
species’ fidelity to particular niche habitats within these riparian zones.

200 | Freshwater Biology and Ecology Handbook
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