Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Freshwater Ecosystems

latest news & developments
The Olifants River supports mining, agriculture, and commercial forestry, while also flowing through the Kruger National Park—South Africa’s largest protected area and a vital tourism drawcard. Photo: Wikipedia
AIR TEMPERATURES

Olifants River faces extreme warming by 2100, threatening fish and macroinvertebrates

New research projects the Olifants River in the Kruger National Park could reach daily water temperatures of 42–44°C by the end of the century under a high-emissions scenario,…

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read
Freshwater ecosystems are rich but fragile. Of the new fish species discovered, many are critically endangered. Among the standout species is Yang’s plateau loach, a cavefish from China’s Yunnan Province whose expanded swim bladder chambers protrude visibly from its body, giving the impression of a built-in lifejacket.
AFRICAN FRESHWATER FISH

From Congo to China: 309 freshwater fish species uncovered last year

Freshwater ecosystems are rich but fragile. Of the new fish species discovered, many are critically endangered

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read