ZHU Yao 1, FENG Shun-xin 2, LIAO Wen-gen 2

1. Division of International Cooperation, IWHR, Beijing 100038, China
2. Research Center for Sustainable Hydropower Development, IWHR, Beijing 100038, China

Abstract: Based on the generic characters of the left branch of braided Luxikou anabranch and its historic evolution, considering the impact of navigation channel regulation and impoundment of Three Gorges Project, in line with the habitat requirement of the ex-situ conservation for Yangtze finless porpoise, this paper analyses the feasibility of building an ex-situ conservation area for Yangtze finless porpoise at Luxikou anabranch of the Yangtze River. The research in this paper shows that the left branch is inclined to shrink in the future, the dry season water depth does not meet the demand of the minimum water depth of 3 meters, and the central sandbank is prone to floods in wet season because of low elevation. Thus, to realize such a conservation area, it is necessary to take engineering measures which could increase the relevant cost of the project.

Key words: Yangtze finless porpoise, braided Luxikou anabranch, left branch, ex-situ conservation

Published in: Journal of China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (Vol. 10 No. 2, 2012)