Riparian canopy modulates light and thermal regimes, regulates autochthonous production, and contributes allochthonous organic inputs. Canopy cover therefore shapes primary productivity, stream temperature, and habitat suitability for aquatic taxa.

• Canopy densiometer

• Measuring tape

• Notebook and pen

• Datasheets and clipboard

1. Select a representative river segment (e.g., 100–500 m), away from obvious disturbances.

2. Lay transects perpendicular to flow across the channel (e.g., every 50–100 m).

3. Set evenly spaced points along each transect (e.g., left bank, mid-channel, right bank).

1. At each point, hold the densiometer at chest height, level with the ground.

2. Face upstream, downstream, left bank, and right bank in turn; record the fraction of sky occluded by foliage/branches (%).

3. Average the four directions to obtain point canopy coverage.

4. After finishing all points, compute the mean coverage for each transect, then the whole segment.