ABSTRACT
Objective To understand the distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snails and changes of water levels in Gaoyou sections of the Li Canal following the operation of the eastern route project of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Methods The Oncomelania snails were monitored in the river banks and water bodies of Gaoyou sections of the Li Canal by means of systematic sampling combined with environmental sampling as well as collection of the floaters from 2014 to 2019, and the water levels were collected in Gaoyou sections of the Li Canal at the typical hydrological year before the operation of the eastern route project of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and during the period between 2016 and 2019. Results A total area of 235.42 hm2 were investigated and a total of 75.8 kg floaters were collected in Gaoyou sections of the Li Canal from 2014 to 2019; however, no snails were found. The water level in Gaoyou sections of the Li Canal was predominantly high in the flood season and low in the dry season before the operation of the eastern route project of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, and the water level was elevated in the dry season and relatively low in the flood season after the operation of the project. Conclusion Following the operation of the eastern route project of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the original river bank that is characterized by “land in winter and water in summer” has changed in Gaoyou sections of the Li Canal, which is not favorable for snail breeding.