Gallery: Underwater world of European backwaters
European backwaters are rich with all kinds of the animals and the plants. From tiny invertebrates to the giant catfish, it is ecosystem comparable to the tropics.
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The common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
One of the most beautiful inhabitant of the rivers in Asia and Europe is the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis).
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.
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.
Side-branches and dead-branches (oxbow lakes)
Slow, even stagnant habitats of the river side-branches and dead-branches, including oxbow lakes, are the mix of the river and wetland.
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.
Natural river dynamics – a key to the biodiversity
Dynamical, natural river harbors many habitat and the corresponding species of the animals and plants. Such river is in constant rejuvenation and creation of new habitats.
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.