Freshwater Species

We all depend on fresh water for survival.  But freshwater species are going extinct faster than species from any other habitat type.

A wide range of threatened animals and plants depend entirely on our rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, canals and even ditches.  Freshwater habitats are also an important secondary habitat for many animals and plants and provide a range of specialised microhabitats.

In Wales there is heavy pressure on our freshwaters.  Structural changes, nutrient enrichment, acidification and other forms of pollution all have major effects.  Climate change will alter the amount and pattern of water availability.  Invasive species are an increasing problem, displacing native species and often causing significant environmental and economic damage.  All these have knock-on effects on many freshwater species.