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Abstract

Northern Australia is characterised by large areas of seasonally dry eucalyptwoodland with riparian systems forming a network of narrow strips of relatively mesic habitat within the drier forests. It is generally accepted that riparian habitats are vital to these ecosystems. Riparian vegetation is generally more structurally and floristically diverse than the surrounding woodland and could be expected to contain a more diverse and abundant fauna. The Australian wet/dry tropics has high seasonal variability in resource abundance as a result of the climatic differences between the hot wet summers and dry winters. Riparian systems within this ecosystem are likely to be vitally important in providing water, shelter and food for fauna, especially during the dry season. This paper is meant to be suggestive, not conclusive, in an attempt to promote research on riparian systems.