Broad-scale meta-analysis of drivers mediating adverse impacts of flow regulation on riparian vegetation

Over two-thirds of global rivers are subjected to flow regulation. Although it is widely recognized that flow regulation can adversely affect riparian vegetation—a critical component of river ecosystems—the specific roles of various drivers remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we conducted a broad-scale meta-analysis, aiming to elucidate how different factors mediate the adverse impacts of flow regulation on riparian vegetation. This meta-analysis encompassed 59 papers, spanning 278 dams constructed on 146 rivers. We extracted data on four key indices of riparian vegetation: species richness and abundance of all riparian species, and those indices exclusively for non-native species. Indices were compared between regulated and free-flowing or pre-damming rivers to quantify the impact of flow regulation. Our meta-analysis revealed a moderate but significant reduction in the richness and abundance of all riparian species under flow regulation, coupled with a strong increase in th..., , , ### **README for: Broad-scale meta-analysis of drivers mediating adverse impacts of flow regulation on riparian vegetation** **Dataset Description** This dataset accompanies the meta-analysis titled \"**Broad-scale meta-analysis of drivers mediating adverse impacts of flow regulation on riparian vegetation**\", providing comprehensive data from 59 peer reviewed studies across 278 dams and 146 rivers. This dataset serves as a resource for exploring the roles of geographical and hydrological factors mediating adverse impacts of flow regulation on riparian vegetation. #### **Structure and Content** The dataset is organized into four primary tables: **1. All species richness** Contains data on species richness for all riparian plants, comparing regulated and control conditions. **2. All species abundance** Contains data on species abundance for all riparian plants, comparing regulated and control conditions. **3. Non-native species richness** Contains data on species richness for non-na...