More than half of all species of fish and cyclostomes (jawless fish such as lampreys) in Switzerland are threatened or vulnerable, according to a new study.
The situation worsened between 2007, when the previous study was done, and 2022, the environment ministry said on Wednesday.
The study evaluated 66 species of fish and native cyclostomes, putting 43 on the so-called Red List for 2022. These include nine species that are already extinct.
In addition, nine species are “potentially threatened”. Only 14 species are considered not threatened. The assessment is based on 70,000 observations in the various Swiss rivers and bodies of water.
Among the most critically endangered species are the eel, the arborella, the savetta, the marble trout, the Black Sea salmon, and the southern Alpine grayling. Among the already extinct species are the European sturgeon and the Atlantic salmon.
Threats to indigenous fish and cyclostomi are related to water pollution, degradation of habitats, hydroelectric exploitation, competition from non-native species and the effects of global warming.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.