Freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and ponds, cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, yet they are home to around 10% of all known species. Many of these species play vital roles in maintaining freshwater habitats, and can give us valuable information on the health, diversity and threats of these ecosystems.
Freshwater systems play an essential role in regulating the water cycle, filtering pollutants, and storing carbon, as well as providing food and livelihoods for millions of people. However, they are among the most threatened habitats on the planet, facing pollution, invasion, habitat fragmentation and the effects of climate change.
In this article, we take a look at three species that can offer insights into the state of freshwater ecosystems: the freshwater pearl mussel, siphonoperla torrentium, and the louisiana crawfish.
