2.700 Lebih Spesies Ikan Air Tawar Hidup di Sungai Amazon

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced on September 9 that the Amazon River basin is home to over 2,700 freshwater fish species, representing approximately 15% of all known freshwater fish species worldwide. The report 'Forgotten Fish of the Amazon,' compiled with over 50 experts from 30 organizations, reveals that two-thirds of Amazon fish species are found only in this region. This establishes the Amazon as one of the world's most important freshwater biodiversity hotspots. Scientists emphasize prioritizing ecosystem protection rather than waiting for degradation before restoration. According to TNC expert Fernanda Silva, the Amazon still maintains extensive interconnected river systems, offering opportunities to preserve relatively intact ecosystems. Fish play a crucial role in ecological balance, with many species migrating to wetlands for feeding and seed dispersal over long distances. Other species transport nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial environments. Consequently, fish population declines can have domino effects on vegetation and animals such as river dolphins, giant otters, and birds.