IUCN Lists Western Ghats as Key Freshwater Biodiversity Hotspot

The Western Ghats in India has been identified as a key global hotspot for threatened freshwater species by the first-ever multi-taxon global freshwater fauna assessment conducted by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The study highlights that one-quarter of freshwater species worldwide face a high risk of extinction, with the Western Ghats being one of the most critical regions for freshwater biodiversity conservation. The assessment covers 23,496 freshwater species, including crustaceans, fishes, and odonates, evaluating their extinction risks and identifying the key threats facing them.

The study pinpoints pollution, dam construction, water extraction, invasive species, and agricultural practices as primary threats to freshwater biodiversity in the Western Ghats. The iconic Humpbacked Mahseer, a critically endangered fish species weighing up to 60 kg, is among the species under threat in this region. The findings stress the need for urgent conservation measures to prevent further species losses and preserve freshwater ecosystems.

Key Findings of the Study

• The Western Ghats is recognized as a global hotspot for threatened freshwater species.
• The study is part of the first-ever multi-taxon global freshwater fauna assessment for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• One-quarter of freshwater species globally are at high risk of extinction.
• The study recorded 89 confirmed and 187 suspected extinctions of freshwater species since 1500 AD.
• 300+ freshwater fish species are found in the Western Ghats, with one-third facing extinction.

Global Hotspots Identified

• The study highlighted the following regions as having the largest concentrations of threatened freshwater species,
• Lake Victoria (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda)
• Lake Titicaca (Bolivia and Peru)
• Sri Lanka’s Wet Zone
• India’s Western Ghats

Significance of the Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats harbors over 300 freshwater fish species, making it one of the richest regions in freshwater biodiversity.
• The region has two endemic families of freshwater fishes, found exclusively in groundwater and subterranean systems.
• Kerala has the highest number of threatened freshwater fishes in India, with 74 out of 188 species listed as threatened.
• The Periyar River in Kerala is a critical conservation priority due to its high concentration of endemic and threatened species.
• The Humpbacked Mahseer, a critically endangered megafish, is an iconic species found in the Western Ghats.

Key Threats to Freshwater Biodiversity

The study identified multiple threats leading to habitat loss and degradation for freshwater species in the Western Ghats.

• Pollution: The most significant threat, impacting over half of the threatened species.
• Dams & Water Extraction: Major contributors to habitat loss.
• Agricultural Practices: Affects 37% of freshwater species through land-use changes.
• Invasive Species & Disease: Threatens 28% of species by altering native ecosystems.
• Climate Change: Poses direct and indirect risks, including temperature shifts, altered flow patterns, and extreme weather events.

Impact of Climate Change on Freshwater Species

Direct Effects

• Temperature shifts
• Altered flow patterns
• Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events

Indirect Effects

• Spread of Invasive Species
• Heightened human demand for water resources

Mitigation Efforts

• The study emphasizes the need for urgent conservation measures to prevent further species loss.
• Conservation strategies must address pollution, dam construction, overharvesting, and climate change impacts.
• There is a call to recognize freshwater ecosystems as distinct environments requiring separate management strategies from terrestrial and marine ecosystems.