In a concerning report, over 24% of the world's freshwater species are now categorized as at risk of extinction, according to extensive research by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published in Nature. This alarming finding underscores the precarious status of freshwater ecosystems, which cover only about 1% of Earth's surface yet support more than 10% of known species.

The study assessed a total of 23,496 species, including fish, crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps, and insects like dragonflies, revealing pervasive threats from pollution, water extraction, agriculture, and invasive species. Among the species endangered are notable ones like the critically endangered European eel and unique freshwater crustaceans in the southeastern United States.

Lead researcher Catherine Sayer indicated that nearly 54% of threatened species suffer from pollution alone, while dams and water extraction negatively impact 39% of studied species. Furthermore, agricultural practices, including pesticide use, affect about 37% of these organisms.

The findings reveal that 30% of crustaceans studied are threatened, along with 26% of fish, 16% of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies). Over 90 species have already been documented as extinct, and climate change poses an additional risk, affecting 18% of the species evaluated, according to experts.

"The particular value of this study is that it shows us which river basins and lakes face the most urgent conservation challenges," noted Ian Harrison, a conservationist from Northern Arizona University. Major areas at high risk include Lake Victoria in Africa and Lake Titicaca in South America, both of which face severe environmental pressures.

The researchers stress the importance of urgent conservation measures to combat the decline of freshwater biodiversity. They advocate for an integrated management approach to water resources that balances ecological health with human demands.

The study not only highlights the current state of freshwater species but also serves as a critical call to action to prevent further biodiversity loss, a goal that is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and supporting human well-being.

For more details, you can access the original reports by ABC News and Reuters.