Abstract: Guaranteeing riverine connectivity is of pivotal significance to protecting and restoring ecological system. In-depth research on the theory and methodology of assessing riverine connectivity is in urgent need to promote the linking among rivers, lakes and reservoirs. In this paper, a comprehensive assessment method for riverine connectivity is proposed. Five indicators including degree of fragmentation, coefficient of reservoir capacity regulation, water consumption rate, road network density, and nightlight intensity in urban areas are chosen to represent the connectivity in longitude, vertical, horizontal and temporal scales. On the basis of analyzing threshold value and weight of the indicators, the connectivity index is put forward to represent holistic connectivity. The assessment standard is also discussed to provide reference for river connectivity restoration. This research result will provide new ideas for the practice of river ecosystem protection.

Key words: riverine connectivity, connectivity index, holistic assessment method, river ecosystem, holistic model