Is freshwater biodiversity really that special?

Increasing numbers of papers, blogs and advocacy campaigns correctly observe that freshwater biodiversity (in its hierarchical construct) is declining rapidly. But other authors also express the same views for other ecosystems. That freshwater biodiversity is special and different has validity, but not more so than other terrestrial biodiversity. A result of this special pleading, separating freshwater biodiversity from the rest of terrestrial biodiversity, produces a distorted picture of the research and actions needed to develop informed policy and decision-making, and thus improved stewardship of freshwater biodiversity. Key to effective and informed stewardship of freshwater biodiversity is promoting research through the integrated lens of landscape connectivity and ecohydrology. Co-designing integrated research that recognises the four-dimensional nature of freshwater ecosystems with early input from policymakers, decision-takers and holders of indigenous knowledge can reverse the decline in freshwater biodiversity. And in turn, ensure better support for linked “terrestrial” biodiversity.