The little tern
The little tern is a small tern that lives on a gravel and sandbars of the European and Asian rivers. It is widespread, but very fragmented and endangered in many places.
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Flooded forests (swamp forests)
Floodplain flood forests (Freshwater swamp forests) are seasonally inundated by rivers. They are adapted to the long-standing water and host a variety of organisms.
The little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius)
The little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius) is an inhabitant of the rivers, nesting on the barren gravel and sandbars.
River Sidearms and Deadarms: Nature’s Quiet Branches
Discover the hidden life of river sidearms and deadarms—vital, quiet channels that shape ecosystems, store history, and reveal nature’s resilience.
The black stork
A shy inhabitant of the dense old forests, the black stork is much rarer bird than its cousin the white stork.
Steep eroded banks
Steep banks of the river are extreme habitat, where some very specialized animals and plants live. They are mostly created by river erosion.
The Living River: How Natural Dynamics Shape Biodiversity
Natural rivers support rich biodiversity by constantly renewing themselves and creating diverse habitats for plants and animals to thrive.
The white-tailed eagle
The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is one the largest bird of prey found along the rivers in Europe. It is the ruler of the sky of the floodplains.
Gravel and sand bars – where everything begins
Gravel and sand bars are the layers of the sediment in the riverbed. It is not only the barren sediment; this is precious habitat for specialized animals and plants.
Negative Impacts of River Regulation
River regulation alters natural flow for flood control, navigation, or irrigation—but often causes severe ecological and geomorphic harm.