This project supported the development and publication of the first globally comprehensive analysis for the distribution and threatened status of all described freshwater fishes. The landmark publication finally puts freshwater biodiversity, on the global map for conservation planning and development decision making.
The freshwater species assessment made novel findings that will be of substantial use for freshwater conservation planning, including the assessment that one-quarter of freshwater species, including crabs, crayfish, fish, and odonates (i.e. dragonflies), are at high risk of extinction. The assessment was conducted through the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the world’s leading metric for species risk assessment.
‘Lack of data on freshwater biodiversity can no longer be used as an excuse for inaction. Freshwater landscapes are home to 10% of all known species on Earth and key for billions of people’s safe drinking water, livelihoods, flood control, and climate change mitigation, and must be protected for nature and people alike…This information will enable policy makers and actors on the ground to plan freshwater conservation measures where they are needed most.’
Catherine Sayer, IUCN Freshwater Biodiversity Lead and lead author to the paper
[IUCN Red List and Conservation International]
“It is essential that freshwater species data are actively included in conservation strategies and water use planning and management, to ensure their practices support healthy freshwater ecosystems. Increased investment in measuring and monitoring freshwater species is needed to ensure conservation action and water use planning is based on the latest information.”
Dr Topiltzin Contreras MacBeath, Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Freshwater Conservation Committee.
Conclusions of the study:
[IUCN Red List and Conservation International]
Media
Read the global freshwater species assessment:
This grant would not be possible without the support of the Regina Bauer Frankenberg Foundation.
