Freshwater Species at Risk of Extinction

January 10, 2025

Recent assessments reveal alarming statistics regarding freshwater biodiversity. A study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indicates that nearly 25 per cent of the 23,496 species examined are threatened with extinction. This analysis marks the urgent need for conservation efforts in critical habitats.

Extinction Statistics

The study identified 4,294 species at high risk of extinction, which equates to approximately 18.3 per cent of the total assessed. The majority of these species are found in biodiversity hotspots such as Lake Victoria, Lake Titicaca, Sri Lanka’s wet zone, and India’s Western Ghats. These areas are home to unique species that exist nowhere else on the planet.

Historical Context of Extinctions

Since the year 1500, there have been 89 confirmed extinctions, with an additional 178 suspected. The United States, Mexico, and the Philippines have reported the highest numbers of extinctions among freshwater species. Notably, 11 species of freshwater fish are now extinct in the wild, surviving only in captivity.

Major Threats to Freshwater Species

The study marks agriculture and invasive species as threats to freshwater biodiversity. Pollution, dam construction, and water extraction are particularly detrimental to these species. The researchers recommend a shift in water management practices to address these threats effectively.

Climate Change Impact

Climate change poses a dual threat to freshwater ecosystems. Directly, it alters temperatures and flow regimes. Indirectly, it exacerbates existing threats, such as habitat invasions and increased human demand for water resources. The researchers anticipate that the impact of climate change on freshwater species will intensify over time.

Conservation Strategies Needed

The analysis puts stress on the importance of integrating conservation efforts for both freshwater species and tetrapods. Conservation plans must account for the specific needs of freshwater species, as their requirements differ from those of terrestrial species. Collaborative management strategies are essential to mitigate threats effectively.

Importance of Freshwater Biodiversity

Freshwater ecosystems support over 10 per cent of all known species, including proportion of vertebrates and fishes. These ecosystems provide vital services such as nutrient cycling, flood control, and climate change mitigation. Protecting freshwater habitats is crucial for both biodiversity and human livelihoods.

Lake Lanao in the Philippines is home to 15 endemic species.
Approximately one-fifth of threatened freshwater species are impacted by climate change.
Over 10 per cent of all known species inhabit freshwater ecosystems.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress will take place in Abu Dhabi in October 2025.
Eleven species of freshwater fish are extinct in the wild.

Urgency for Action

The study calls for immediate action to prevent further declines in freshwater species. It stresses that the lack of data on freshwater biodiversity can no longer justify inaction. Freshwater ecosystems are vital for billions of people, making their protection essential for both nature and human well-being.

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