Rivers and nature

Rivers provide an excellent habitat for wildlife. Many rare plants and trees grow by rivers. Ducks and beavers make their homes on the river banks. Reeds and other plants like bulrushes grow along the river banks. Animals make their homes in these plants and reeds.

Other animals use the river for food and drink. Birds such as kingfishers eat small fish from the river. In Africa, animals such as antelopes, lions and elephants go to rivers for water to drink. Other animals such as bears catch fish from rivers.

River deltas have many different species of wildlife. Insects, mammals and birds use the delta for their homes and for food. In the Camargue region which covers the Rhone delta, there are many flamingoes and other species of wildlife.