Freshwater ecosystems are often overlooked in conservation efforts, but a new study published in the journal Nature highlights the urgent need for attention. Conducted by scientists from Queen Mary University of London, the research is the first comprehensive assessment of extinction risks for freshwater species, revealing that nearly 24% of these species are threatened.
The study utilized the recently completed 'red list' for freshwater fishes and data from red lists of dragonflies, damselflies, crabs, crayfishes, and shrimps, assessing over 23,000 species in total. Among the most at-risk species are the critically endangered European eel and the endangered white-clawed crayfish.
Despite the alarming findings, the authors acknowledge that the estimates may be conservative due to insufficient data on many freshwater species, particularly molluscs and various invertebrates sensitive to pollution. This lack of knowledge underscores the need for further research and data collection.
Comparatively, the extinction risk for freshwater species is similar to that of land-based amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, with approximately 23% of these species also threatened. This highlights a significant gap in conservation science, which has historically focused more on terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
The study calls for a shift in policy to protect freshwater species, advocating for a holistic approach to river basin management and addressing threats such as pollution, dams, and invasive species. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining connectivity between freshwater bodies to preserve biodiversity.
As freshwater ecosystems harbor over 10% of all known species, including a significant portion of vertebrates and fishes, their decline poses risks not only to biodiversity but also to human societies that rely on these resources for food and economic activities.
In conclusion, the findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for immediate action to safeguard freshwater biodiversity, ensuring that these vital ecosystems are managed and protected for future generations.