The paper analyzes the eco-hydrological configuration of main wetlands in the important wetland ecological region Songliao Basin, and calculates their ecological water demands. The center area of wetland is identified by analyzing the relationship between diminishing ratio of the area and degree of hydrological connectivity; the appropriate activity area of wetland is identified by analyzing the minimum wetland scale to keep the integrality of species. The calculating empirical formula of eco-hydrological configuration in the region without data is built based on the prototype study and analysis of the rules in hydrological area. According to wetland eco-hydrological configuration (center area、appropriate activity area), the water balance model of transformation between surface water and ground water is set up and used to calculate the wetland ecological water demand. The results indicate: in Songliao Basin, the water level of center area accounts for about two-thirds of multi-year mean water level of wetland, its area covers about 40% of multi-year mean area of water surface. This is a very important indicator to prevent shrinkage and protect the ecological security of wetlands.
Compared with the actual supplement water for Xianghai and Zhalong wetlands during recent years, the results are very close to the real ones. Therefore, this research result can be used as an instructive scientific basis for the planning, management and security of Songliao Basin wetlands.