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.
Rivers Are the Lifelines of Our Planet!
Discover the hidden life of river sidearms and deadarms—vital, quiet channels that shape ecosystems, store history, and reveal nature’s resilience.
A shy inhabitant of the dense old forests, the black stork is much rarer bird than its cousin the white stork.
Steep banks of the river are extreme habitat, where some very specialized animals and plants live. They are mostly created by river erosion.
Natural rivers support rich biodiversity by constantly renewing themselves and creating diverse habitats for plants and animals to thrive.
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 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.
River regulation alters natural flow for flood control, navigation, or irrigation—but often causes severe ecological and geomorphic harm.
Discover the benefits of rivers—from clean water to climate balance—and why protecting them is vital for life, biodiversity, and our future.
A new understanding of rivers reveals them as complex, fragile ecosystems—not just resources—leading to global shifts in science, policy, and protection.