Findings
- 25% of freshwater species (decapod crustaceans, fishes, odonates) are at high risk of extinction.
- 4,294 species out of 23,496 assessed species on the IUCN Red List are threatened.
- 89 confirmed extinctions and 178 suspected extinctions since 1500.
Relevance: GS 3(Environment)
Geographic Hotspots for Threatened Species
- Lake Victoria (Africa)
- Lake Titicaca (South America)
- Sri Lanka’s wet zone
- Western Ghats, India
These regions are home to unique freshwater biodiversity, including endemic species.
Causes of Freshwater Species Decline
- Agriculture (pollution, water extraction)
- Invasive species
- Dams and water management
- Climate change (direct and indirect impacts)
- Direct: Changes in temperature and flow regimes, severe weather.
- Indirect: Amplification of other threats like invasive species and water demand.
Regional Extinctions
- United States: 22 species
- Mexico: 15 species
- Philippines: 15 species (all endemic to Lake Lanao)
Impact on Ecosystem Services
Freshwater ecosystems cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface but support:
- 10% of all known species globally.
- One-third of vertebrates.
- Half of all fish species.
They provide essential ecosystem services:
- Nutrient cycling
- Flood control
- Climate change mitigation
Major Threats Identified
- Pollution
- Overharvesting
- Dams and water extraction
- Climate change
The report highlighted that threats to tetrapods (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and freshwater species differ. Conservation plans must address these differences for effective outcomes.
Urgency of Action
- Lack of data on freshwater biodiversity is no longer a valid excuse for inaction.
- IUCN’s Catherine Sayer: Freshwater biodiversity must be protected for both nature and people.
- 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 9-15) aims to set conservation targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and SDGs by 2030.
Takeaway
The report emphasizes urgent, targeted actions to address threats to freshwater species. Integrated water management practices and species-specific conservation efforts are crucial to prevent further biodiversity loss.
