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Western Ghat: Key Location for Threatened Freshwater Species

  • 15 Jan 2025

In January 2025, the first multi-taxon global freshwater fauna assessment for the IUCN Red List revealed that one-quarter of freshwater species face extinction, with the Western Ghats emerging as a biodiversity hotspot.

Key Points

  • Species Diversity: Western Ghats host over 300 freshwater fish species, with more than one-third at risk.
  • Endemic Families: Only region in Asia with two endemic families of subterranean freshwater fishes.
  • Iconic Species: Includes the critically endangered Humpbacked Mahseer, a megafish weighing up to 60 kg.
  • Kerala’s Status: 74 of 188 freshwater fish species in Kerala are threatened, with Periyar River prioritized for conservation.
  • Threats
    • Pollution affects 54% of species, while dams and water extraction impact 39%.
    • Agriculture-linked land-use changes threaten 37%; invasive species and diseases impact 28%.
    • Climate change exacerbates risks through temperature shifts, altered flow patterns, and extreme weather events.
  • Global Hotspots: Study highlights Lake Victoria, Lake Titicaca, Sri Lanka’s Wet Zone, and the Western Ghats as key areas of concern.