Science · 29 October 2026 · From issue 59
The global geography of threats to freshwater biodiversity
Freshwater animals face more overlapping threats than land animals, especially near dams and cities.
Christophe Brabant, Laura Pollock et al.
A huge mapping project tracked 45 threats to over 21,000 freshwater species. These include frogs, fish, mammals, dragonflies, and reptiles. Areas with heavy human development and water control, like dams, have the most overlapping threats. Freshwater species face more intense threats and different danger patterns than land animals.
The number of freshwater species mapped against 45 types of threats worldwide.
Global mapping study only, not a test of direct cause.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 30 October 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Science). Read the source
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