The imperative of safeguarding untamed rivers——a study of current distribution and conservation recommendations for untamed rivers in China
Hu Peng
Zhao Yong
Zeng Qinghui
Li Xinyu
Wang Jianhua
Abstract：An untamed river refers to a river or segment that remains untouched by artificial impoundments,hidden in nature,hard to reach,preserves its original state along its banks and throughout its watershed,and boasts unpolluted water bodies.Owing to its"primitive"and undisturbed characteristics,untamed rivers hold significant ecological,landscape,and scientific research value.In recent decades,China's economic and social development demands have led to the impact of dam construction,water extraction,sewage disposal,and other human activities on most rivers,resulting in a sharp reduction in the quantity and length of wild rivers.The functions they provide,including serving as benchmarks for aquatic ecological environments,offering primitive landscapes and favorable habitats for aquatic organisms,has been greatly diminished.Preserving and strengthening the protection of untamed rivers is an immediate and vital need,requiring focused attention and dedicated measures.
Keywords：untamed riversprimitive riversfree-flowing riversriver ecosystemshuman-induced disturbances
Publication Date：2024-01-27
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 17-22 )