Damming induces convergence of riverscapes in the Nile, Yangtze, and Amazon Basin: The importance of localized watershed management
摘要
Understanding changes in riverscapes and their influencing factors is crucial for effective biological conservation. Although the impact of dams on riverscape changes has been investigated, comparative research is limited. This study first conducted a comparative analysis of riverscape configuration patterns from different perspectives using the Landscape Fragmentation Index of Configuration among three major global dammed rivers: the Aswan High Dam on the Nile River, the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, and the Jirau and Santo Antônio dams in the Amazon Basin. Subsequently, through the Analysis of Similarity of various indices, we identified a significant trend toward resemblance in the configurations across the three dammed rivers. Further, we found that this resemblance progressed in a trend similar to that of riverscape composition, with built-up and water land-use type being the primary factor explaining the similarity across these regions. These findings provide valuable insights for localized management measures in dam-affected areas.