Amur

Amur

The Amur, known in Chinese as 黑龙江, in pinyin as Hēilóng Jiāng is a river in East Asia, among the largest in the world. It forms from the confluence of the Šilka and Argun’ rivers, in Eastern Siberia, on the border with northern Manchuria, and collects water from a catchment area of 1,855,000 km² divided between Siberia, Manchuria and Mongolia.
The Mongolian name Khara-Muren and the Manchu Sahaliyan name Ula mean “black river” and similarly the Chinese name Hēilóng Jiāng means “river of the black dragon”. The name Amur derives instead from the term eveno Tamur, which means “big river”.

Etymology –
The name “Amur” for the river comes from the ancient Tungusic word “amanr” or “aman”, which means “large” or “broad” in the language of the indigenous inhabitants of the region, the Tungusi. The name Amur was adopted by Russian and Chinese cultures who learned of the river through encounters with the indigenous peoples of the area.
The Amur River is also known by other names in the different local languages. For example, in Chinese it is called “Heilong Jiang”, which means “river of the black dragon”, while in Korean it is known as “Heungnam” or “Daema” and in Japanese as “Amu Darya” or simply “Amu”.

Geographic Features –
The Amur River, also known as the Heilong Jiang River, is one of the most important rivers in East Asia.
The Amur River has a length of approximately 2,824 kilometers. It rises from the Khan Khentii mountains in Mongolia, flows across the border between Russia and China, and empties into the Sea of Japan.
The catchment area of the Amur River is extensive and covers an area of approximately 1,855,000 square kilometers. This basin includes parts of Russia, China and Mongolia.
The Amur River serves as a natural border between Russia and China for much of its course. The border between the two countries was established along the river in 1858 by the Treaty of Aigun and in 1860 by the Treaty of Beijing.
This river receives numerous tributaries along its course. Some of the major tributaries are Zeya River, Bureya River, Songhua River, and Huma River.
The region crossed by the Amur River is characterized by a continental climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are harsh and dry. The predominant vegetation varies from coniferous forests in the northern regions to mixed coniferous-deciduous forests in the southern regions.
The Amur River is an important source of water resources for the region. It is used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation and as a waterway for the transport of goods.
The Amur River region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is particularly famous for its biodiversity, with rare and endangered species such as the Siberian tiger, Asiatic black bear and Amur leopard.

Historical Notes –
The Amur River has a rich history and has played a significant role in the region over the centuries. Here are some historical notes about the Amur River:
1. Ancient Chinese History: The Amur River has a long history dating back to ancient China. During the Qing Dynasty, the river marked the border between China and Russia and played an important role in trade and diplomatic relations.
2. Russian Exploration: In the 17th century, Russian explorers began venturing into the Amur River region. Russian explorer Yerofey Khabarov was one of the first to navigate the river and explore its surrounding lands.
3. Border warfare: During the 19th century, the Amur River became a matter of dispute between Russia and China. Russia sought to expand its dominance in the region, while China sought to defend its territory. This led to border warfare between the two countries, which resulted in the Treaty of Aigun in 1858 and the Treaty of Peking in 1860, which placed much of the region under Russian control.
4. Russian Colony: After the Border War, Russia began establishing settlements along the Amur River. In 1858, the city of Blagoveshchensk was founded on the right bank of the river, which became an important Russian administrative and commercial center in the region.
5. Trans-Siberian Railway: During the 20th century, the Amur River and its valley became an integral part of the Trans-Siberian Railway project. The construction of the railway provided a vital connection between eastern and western Russia and contributed to the economic development of the region.
6. WWII: During WWII, the Amur River became an important eastern front in the struggle between the Soviet Union and the Japanese Empire. In 1945, the Red Army launched an offensive against Japanese forces along the Amur River, contributing to the liberation of Manchuria and the end of the war in the region.
7. Nature Reserve: The Amur River region is also famous for its rich biodiversity. It is home to several unique plant and animal species, including the Siberian tiger, which is one of the most endangered species in the world. To protect this precious wildlife, the Amur River Nature Reserve was established, which stretches across both sides of the river and contributes to the preservation of the region’s unique ecosystem.
Its history is deeply intertwined with that of China and Russia, and the river has continued to play an important role in the region’s geopolitics, economy, and ecology.

Ecosystem –
The Amur River has an extremely rich and diverse ecosystem, hosting a diverse range of unique flora and fauna.
Along the banks of the Amur River there are different types of riparian vegetation, such as alluvial forests of alder, poplar and willow. These areas are important for shore stabilization and soil conservation, as well as providing habitat for many animals.
The Amur River supports a large network of wetlands, which include marshes, lakes and coastal marshes. These wetlands provide crucial habitat for many migratory bird species, such as Siberian cranes, black storks and wild geese.
The Amur River is home to a variety of aquatic plants, such as water lilies, daffodils and reeds. These plants provide shelters for fish, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates, contributing to the biodiversity of the river ecosystem.
This river is known for its abundant fish population. Important fish species include king salmon, Siberian sturgeon, Japanese eel, catfish and many others. These fish play a vital role in the river’s food chain and are also important to the local economy.
The Amur River ecosystem is home to several species of land animals, including the Asiatic black bear, Siberian tiger, collared bear, wolf, leopard cat, and many other species. These areas are essential for the conservation of biodiversity and play a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance of the entire region.
The Amur River and surrounding wetlands serve as a critical stopover for many migratory birds during their long flights. In addition to the previously mentioned Siberian cranes and wild geese, many other migratory bird species, such as herons, spoonbills and ducks, stop along the Amur River during their migrations.
Importantly, the ecosystem of the Amur River is subject to several threats, including deforestation, water pollution, overfishing and infrastructure development. However, efforts are underway to protect and conserve this precious ecosystem, including wildlife conservation programs, nature reserves, and environmental awareness initiatives.

Flora –
The flora of the Amur River, found mainly along its waterways and in the surrounding regions, is characterized by a great variety of plant species. The Amur River is the natural border between China and Russia, flowing through several climatic regions, from steppes to high mountains. Consequently, the flora that develops along the Amur River reflects this diversity.
In the floodplains and wetlands along the river, a diverse range of plant species adapted to freshwater conditions can be found. These include aquatic plants such as the rush (Juncus), the water dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), the ceratophyllum (Ceratophyllum) and the water buttercup (Ranunculus). In these areas there are also bamboo canes (Phyllostachys edulis), which form dense thickets along the banks.
In the higher and mountainous regions along the river’s course, the flora is further diversified. Temperate deciduous forests are common, with trees such as linden (Tilia), elm (Ulmus), pine (Pinus), and birch (Betula). In the higher areas, there are coniferous forests, with species such as fir (Abies) and spruce (Picea).
In addition, along the Amur River, a variety of species of wildflowers and herbaceous plants can also be found, embellishing the grasslands and clearings along the banks. Among these are species such as Siberian iris (Iris sibirica), wild sunflower (Helianthus) and Siberian thistle (Silybum marianum).
The flora along the Amur River is an important habitat for local fauna, providing food and shelter for a diverse range of animal species, including migratory birds, mammals such as the Siberian tiger and brown bear, and fish such as salmon. The biodiversity of the Amur River’s flora contributes to the overall ecosystem of the region, supporting wildlife and providing essential ecosystem services.

Wildlife –
The Amur River is home to a diverse range of animal species. Among the most important animals we remember:
1. Siberian Tiger: The Amur River is one of the last refuges of the Siberian tiger, one of the largest and rarest tiger species in the world. These tigers depend on forest and rivers for hunting and water supply.
2. Brown Bear: The brown bear is another iconic animal found in the Amur River region. These mighty bears inhabit the forests near the river and feed on salmon during the migration season.
3. Red-crowned Crane: This crane is one of the rarest and most endangered crane species in the world. The Amur River provides important nesting and feeding habitats for these beautiful creatures.
4. Eurasian Lynx: These lynxes inhabit the forests along the Amur River and feed on a variety of prey, including rodents and deer. They are considered a threatened species due to habitat loss.
5. Kaluga sturgeon: The Amur River is famous for its population of kaluga sturgeon, a species of large fish. These fish migrate to the river for spawning and are important to the aquatic ecosystem.
6. Asian Otters: Asian otters are found along the Amur River and depend on its waters for fishing and hunting. These adorable creatures are known for their playful behavior.
7. Saiga: Although most of the saiga population is found in the Central Asian steppes, some of these antelopes can be spotted in the Amur River region. They are known for their distinctive proboscis nose.

Environmental Protection Actions –
The Amur River is one of the most important rivers in East Asia, flowing through China and Russia. Due to its ecological importance and its role in local communities, several conservation actions have been implemented to protect the Amur River and its ecosystem. Some of these actions include:
1. Nature reserves and national parks: Nature reserves and national parks have been established along the Amur River to protect the local flora and fauna. These protected areas help preserve natural habitats, providing safe spaces for many species of plants and animals.
2. Monitoring and research: Extensive studies have been carried out to monitor the water quality of the Amur River and to evaluate the impact of human activities on the river ecosystem. These efforts help identify key environmental threats and develop strategies for sustainable resource management.
3. Regulation of human activities: Regulations have been introduced to limit human activities that can harm the ecosystem of the Amur River. For example, restrictions on commercial fishing and hunting have been implemented to preserve fish biodiversity and wildlife.
4. International Collaboration: China and Russia have been actively cooperating for the joint management of Amur River resources. Bilateral agreements have been established to address common environmental challenges and to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in river management.
5. Community Outreach and Involvement: Efforts have been undertaken to sensitize local communities about the importance of Amur River conservation and sustainable practices. Educational programs and community engagement initiatives have been implemented to promote greater awareness and participation in river protection.
These conservation actions are essential to protect the ecosystem of the Amur River, ensuring its long-term survival and the well-being of the communities that depend on it. However, it is important to continue to monitor and adapt conservation strategies according to emerging challenges and environmental changes.

Guido Bissanti