{
  "id": 17098430,
  "title": "Global maps reveal farming, dams and agricultural runoff as leading threats to freshwater species",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/global-maps-reveal-farming-dams-and-agricultural-runoff-as-leading",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-29T18:00:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-global-reveal-farming-agricultural-runoff.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Farming, dams and agricultural runoff have been identified as the primary threats to freshwater biodiversity, according to a study led by McGill researchers. This research, published in Science, utilized a mapping methodology previously applied to terrestrial species to reveal where freshwater species are under threat and which human activities are responsible. The maps, created by combining data on 45 different threats from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, show that Europe and Northwest Africa are the regions most affected. The study found that freshwater species face greater threats than terrestrial vertebrates and have distinct spatial patterns of impact. The dominant threats vary by species group: agricultural activities are the main threat to amphibians and some insects like dragonflies, while reptiles and mammals are primarily affected by hunting. The researchers hope that these maps will help conservationists prioritize intervention efforts where they are most urgently needed, as freshwater species play a crucial role in providing essential services such as clean drinking water, fisheries, and flood protection.",
  "summary": "Farming, dams and agricultural runoff are the biggest threats to freshwater biodiversity globally, with Europe and Northwest Africa the hardest-hit regions, McGill researchers have found.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}