Ecotourism in Crimea aims to preserve the environment
The Associated Press reported on a study published last week in the journal Nature. According to the study, nearly a quarter of the inhabitants of rivers, lakes, and other freshwater bodies are at risk of extinction.
Until now, scientists in their research have focused primarily on terrestrial animals: mammals, birds, and reptiles. In the new study, for the first time, they conducted a global analysis of threats exclusively for freshwater species. The scientists studied over 23,000 species of insects, fish, crustaceans, and other organisms that depend on freshwater ecosystems. Approximately 24% of them are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
The report states that freshwater ecosystems are characterized by great biodiversity and are very vulnerable. They are home to 10% of all animal species, although they occupy only 1% of the planet's surface.
Most freshwater species face not one threat, but a whole host of dangerous factors. For example, in North America and Europe, rivers are undergoing changes due to dam construction, while in South America, ecosystems are suffering from deforestation, fires, and illegal gold mining. Climate change, the emergence of invasive species, agriculture, and water pollution are also among the threats to freshwater organisms.
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