Freshwater Ecosystems

[via YubaNet.com] A comprehensive map and database of the world's freshwater ecosystems.

"Freshwater ecosystems are the least studied parts of our natural world - they are like vast unexplored libraries, brimming with information," said World Wildlife Fund's Robin Abell, who headed the study. "Freshwater Ecoregions of the World allows scientists and non-scientists alike to gain a better understanding of this world and help guide efforts to save these systems and species before they are lost."

[snip]

- Excessive water use for agriculture, industry, drinking and livestock are placing freshwater ecosystems in 55 ecoregions [of 486 total] under high stress, threatening the species and habitats.

- In another 59 ecoregions more than 50 percent of their area has already been converted from natural habitats to cropland and urban areas.