In response to this need for information, the IUCN Species Programme, in collaboration with Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO) conducted the Eastern Himalaya Freshwater Biodiversity Assessment, a review of the global conservation status of 1,073 freshwater species belonging to three taxonomic groups – fishes (520 taxa), molluscs (186 taxa), and odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) (367 taxa).
Other groups that include freshwater species that have been comprehensively assessed are freshwater crabs (assessed in 2008, and 57 species of crab are present within the assessment region), mammals, birds, and amphibians and their assessments can be accessed on the IUCN Red List.
The geographic scope of this study is determined by the extended hydrological boundaries of the Eastern Himalaya region and includes all major river catchments with their origin within the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. In the process of study, which is based on the collation and analysis of existing information, experts were trained in biodiversity assessment methods, including the application of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria and species mapping using GIS software. Distribution ranges have been mapped for the majority of species providing an important tool for application to the conservation and development planning processes.
The key results of the study and recommendations are indicated below –
All assessments and species distribution maps are available on the IUCN Red List (www.iucnredlist.org).