Study reveals that a quarter of freshwater fish face extinction risk

Geneva: A recent study revealed that approximately 25% of freshwater fish species face extinction threats, with climate change and pollution identified as major reasons.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) disclosed this information in its latest Red List of Threatened Species.

The report highlights disruptions in water cycles caused by climate change, including fluctuating water levels and rising sea levels infiltrating rivers.

The IUCN's comprehensive analysis of nearly 15,000 freshwater fish species found over 3,000 at risk. Notably, the Atlantic Salmon has shifted from 'Least Concern' to 'Near Threatened' due to a 23% global population decline between 2006 and 2020.

The IUCN emphasises the crucial role of well-managed freshwater ecosystems in preserving biodiversity, livelihoods, and economies.

At the same time, the Scimitar Oryx celebrates a positive turn, as successful reintroduction efforts in Chad have prevented its extinction in the wild.