Peru Advances in Conservation with Its First Red Book of Continental Fish

Peru will have, for the first time, a Red Book of Continental Fish. Its role is crucial in ensuring species conservation, and it is essential that efforts be made at least every five years to update this list.

Peru hosts exceptional biodiversity, with approximately 1,454 freshwater fish species. Although significant information gaps still need to be addressed to ensure their conservation, Peru has made significant progress: various academics, international researchers, public sector representatives, and civil society organizations have gathered the necessary information to develop the first Red Book of Continental Fish, scheduled for publication in June this year.

Between 2024 and early this year, the Ministry of the Environment, with support from the Museum of Natural History and WWF Peru, has been leading the process of categorizing Peru’s freshwater fish species in preparation for the long-awaited Red Book, a process that had been on hold for approximately a decade.

Aligned with international criteria, this edition reviewed 544 species, of which:

• 20 species (3.7%) were classified as Vulnerable (VU).
• 9 species (1.65%) were identified as Endangered (EN).
• 2 species (0.37%) were categorized as Critically Endangered (CR).

In total, approximately 5.7% of the evaluated species were determined to be threatened. However, this number could increase significantly, as there are still species pending evaluation: 139 species (25.6%) lack sufficient data for definitive classification, and 534 species (36.75%) will continue to be assessed.

"These gaps highlight the need to continue conducting research to improve the accuracy of the conservation status of continental fish species in the country. However, this initial progress reflects Peru’s commitment to protecting its biodiversity, following international standards and positioning itself as a leader in the sustainable management of natural resources. The completion of the Red Book will be a significant achievement for science, education, and the conservation of the country’s natural heritage," stated Daniel Chamochumbi, Amazonia North Officer at WWF Peru.