A quarter of freshwater animals, including fish, insects and crustaceans, are at high risk of extinction due to threats including pollution, dams and farming, according to a new study published on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila). Freshwater -- including rivers, aquifers, lakes and wetlands -- covers less than 1% of Earth's surface but hosts more than 10% of known species, including half of fish and one-third of vertebrates. This diversity supports the livelihoods of billions of people and provides a bulwark against climate change but is under "substantial stress", says the study published in the peer-reviewed academic journal Nature.

A quarter of freshwater species face extinction - study. (2025, January 10). The Manila Times, p. A3.