According to the Red Data List on Freshwater Fish of last year (2020), of 97 freshwater fish species recorded in the country, 61 species have been identified as endangered, which is a high percentage of 63 per cent.
The Land and Agrarian Reform Movement has revealed that the main reasons for the threat of extinction are the use of agrochemicals, habitat destruction and the export of freshwater fish for ornamental fisheries.
Of the 61 endangered fish species, 12 are critically endangered and 20 are endangered and near - endangered, said Sajeeva Chamikara, legal officer of the organisation.
He further points out that the launch of small hydropower projects has been a major factor in the destruction of freshwater fish habitats in the wet and intermediate zone.