A major global analysis examined the extinction threat to 23,496 freshwater species of fish, dragonflies, damselflies, crabs, crayfish and shrimp.
This article warns that a significant portion (24%) of freshwater species worldwide are at high risk of extinction.
The study highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts for these species, as they face diverse threats unlike land-based ones (e.g., habitat loss due to dam construction and agriculture, pollution, overfishing, and invasive species).
The extinction risk is particularly high for crabs, crayfish, and shrimp, while freshwater fish are also heavily threatened. The loss of freshwater biodiversity has serious consequences for human well-being, as these ecosystems provide essential services such as clean water, flood control, and climate regulation.
This article warns that a significant portion (24%) of freshwater species worldwide are at high risk of extinction. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts for these species, as they face diverse threats unlike land-based ones (e.g., habitat loss due to dam construction and agriculture, pollution, overfishing, and invasive species). The extinction risk is particularly high for crabs, crayfish, and shrimp, while freshwater fish are also heavily threatened. The loss of freshwater biodiversity has serious consequences for human well-being, as these ecosystems provide essential services such as clean water, flood control, and climate regulation.
