The quality of their health impacts both human and non-human alike. Riparian areas differ in plant species and communities due to varied topography, geology, climate, elevation, structure, stream bearing, stream gradient, and stream flow. As the characteristics of the local level change, so does the composition of the plant community. Because riparian areas link terrestrial zones with freshwater zones, they are abundant with forage, water and habitat. They are islands of great diversity.
Most wildlife depends on riparian habitats for some or all of their needs.
As a result of this abundance, these habitats support proportionally larger densities and varieties of species in their small area than in the overall surroundings. The total biomass in riparian areas is almost always greater than in the surrounding area. Human activity has impacted these areas greatly. Riparian zones are vital to livestock grazing, mining, water development and irrigation, recreation and development of high quality farmland. They are also excellent timber producers.