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The new report was published on 19 May, highlighting the diversity and beauty of freshwater species and the threats they face to their survival. The report, led by SHOAL, the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Species Survival Commission, the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� SSC Freshwater Conservation Committee, and the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, emphasises the urgent need for freshwater species conservation, and puts the spotlight on species from across the taxonomic spectrum that are set to be lost unless urgent conservation action is taken.

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Topiltzin Contreras-MacBeath, co-chair ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� SSC Freshwater Conservation Committee, said: “Now that we have a better understanding of the conservation status of numerous freshwater species, we urgently need to implement conservation actions to prevent further extinctions and contribute to our goal of being nature positive by 2030".

The 50 species were selected through consultation with 21 ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� SSC Specialist Groups and freshwater fungi experts. To be included, species had to be Critically Endangered or Endangered on the or, if not yet assessed, would most likely meet these categories based on available data.

Each of the species receive very little conservation attention, especially compared to the attention placed on many marine and terrestrial species. Many of them also act as ‘umbrella’ species for a particular freshwater system or species group. Conservation of them would likely increase protection of other species living in the same habitats.

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Freshwater habitats come in all shapes and sizes, from mighty rivers and lakes to seasonal water bodies, tiny springs, cave systems – and even water-filled tree holes! Freshwater is key to life on earth, and so are the thousands of species calling freshwater their home. Fish supply us with vital food, mussels filter and clean our water, plants provide habitat to other species and building materials for human needs, and tiny fungi are vital for the decomposition of dead plant material.

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^{Note to the editors:}

^{SHOAL is a global collaborative initiative to halt the extinction and recover populations of the most threatened freshwater species in the wild. SHOAL is a programme of Synchronicity Earth and Re:wild. Synchronicity Earth is a charity registered in the UK and Wales No: 1132786 and a company limited by guarantee No: 06952204. Re:wild is a U.S.-based 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.}

^{The Indianapolis Zoo Global Center for Species Survival is a partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission. The Global Center supports and connects thousands of conservation experts working to secure a future for animals, fungi and plants in more than 160 countries.}

^{The ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a science-based network of more than 10,500 volunteer experts from almost every country of the world, all working together towards achieving the vision of, “A just world that values and conserves nature through positive action to reduce the loss of diversity of life on Earth”.}

^{For more information, please contact:} 

^{Michael Edmondstone, SHOAL: [email protected]}

^{Claire Warmenbol, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��: [email protected]}