With glaciers melting at unprecedented rates due to climate change, invertebrates that live in the cold meltwater rivers of the Alps will face widespread habitat loss, warn researchers.
Many of the species are likely to become restricted to cold habitats that will only persist higher in the mountains, and these areas are also likely to see pressures from the skiing and tourism industries or from the development of hydroelectric plants.
The research study - led jointly by the University of Leeds and University of Essex - calls on conservationists to consider new measures to protect aquatic biodiversity.
Read more at: University of Leeds
Odenwinkelkees glacier, Austria. (Photo Credit: University of Leeds)