The Response of Terrestrial Arthropods to Natural and Anthropogenically Altered Disturbance and Stress Regimes in Riparian Zones: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Riparian zones are vital for biodiversity and are increasingly threatened by natural and human‐induced factors that disrupt their structure and function. Arthropods, as dominant terrestrial organisms in these habitats, are essential for ecosystem services, influencing connectivity between terrestrial and aquatic webs, and are sensitive indicators of environmental changes. This study aimed to systematically evaluate global trends in the responses of riparian arthropods to flooding, alien plant invasion and river engineering, and to identify implications for conservation and management. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, eligible studies were identified through a structured database search and screened based on the predefined inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on arthropod responses across ecological variables, including abundance, species richness, diversity and assemblage composition, and were analysed across disturbance types and taxonomic groups. A total of 61 eligible studies were included to synthesize results. Arthropod responses were predominantly negatively affected by the disturbance, with declines in abundance and richness reported in 50%–78% of cases. Similarly, assemblage composition was consistently changed (77.78%–96.43% of cases) following disturbances. Responses to alien plant invasion were more variable among taxa than responses to flooding and river engineering, reflecting differences in functional traits and ecological specialization. These findings demonstrate that disturbances in riparian zones primarily shuffle arthropod communities. Trait‐mediated responses, such as dispersal ability and habitat specialization, support species persistence under disturbance. Effective management strategies should therefore prioritize maintaining habitat heterogeneity, restoring natural water flow and vegetation and incorporating species‐specific ecological requirements.