Wetland ecosystems of the yellow river source zone

Abstract

Diverse wetlands such as alpine meadows, lakes and peatlands are extremely important resources for water supply and ecological protection of aquatic ecosystems in the source zone of the Yellow River. Field surveys (2010–2014) and interpretations of remote sensing images are used to provide insights into the distribution of wetlands in this region and associated notions of landscape connectivity. Ruoergai Swamp (Zoige) at the eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in the Yellow River Source Zone is the world’s largest plateau peat wetland. A case study of this swamp shows that it has shrunk greatly since the 1950s. Environmental suffering (i.e. desertification, grassland degradation and run-off reduction) is leading to the ecological degradation of the Ruoergai peatlands, severely affecting local herdsmen and the surrounding communities (e.g. Sichuan Basin and the Upper Yellow River). Wetland degradation is affected by both global climate warming and human activities (especially construction of artificial ditches). The second half of this chapter uses field and laboratory analyses of benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators to assess the status of aquatic ecosystems in the region, contrasting findings from the Upper Yellow and Yangtze rivers. Human activities such as artificial ditch system, overstocking and peat mining have impacted upon local aquatic ecosystems. Such pressures have been accentuated by the economic and social development since the 1980s.