Background
By the end of 2014 reliable information on the conservation status of about 76,000 animal and plant species was available. The data made available by the IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature) is alarming. More than 20 % of the recorded animal species and over 50 % of plants are classified as endangered. Endemic and migratory species are especially threatened compared to wide-spread species with common demands. Endemic species are species which are geographically limited to only one specific, small area of the world. Due to their rarity and special geographic requirements, these species are extremely sensitive. Lake Titicaca, Lake Victoria, Lake Baikal, and the Pantanal Wetlands are part of the Living Lakes Network and are famous examples of regions with high species endemism.
The presentations of the Living Lakes delegates during the 14th Living Lakes Conference in November 2014 in Nanchang, China, showed an alarming picture of the current situation at lakes. Increasing settlement resulting from the demographic growth in many countries, introduction of invasive species, overfishing, as well as pollution counteract the valuable efforts in species conservation.
The project consists of two phases. During the first phase, endangered endemic and migratory species will be recorded. The feasibility of conservation projects for these species will be analysed and the first pilot project will be carried out. The second phase will concentrate on planning and implementing further species conservation projects.