Global freshwater biodiversity is declining dramatically, and meeting the challenges of this crisis requires bold goals and the mobilisation of substantial resources. While the reasons are varied, investments in both research and conservation of freshwater biodiversity lag far behind those in the terrestrial and marine realms. Inspired by a global consultation, we identify 15 pressing priority needs, grouped into five research areas, in an effort to support informed stewardship of freshwater biodiversity. The proposed agenda aims to advance freshwater biodiversity research globally as a critical step in improving coordinated actions towards its sustainable management and conservation.

No abstract

The rare and endangered Cameroonian potamonautid freshwater crab, Louisea balssi (Bott, 1959), was recently rediscovered after not having been seen for the last 109 years and presumed extinct. The new specimens of L. balssi were collected from the Southwest Region of Cameroon, about 80 km from the type locality, and include the first adult male to be recorded for this species. A redescription of L. balssi, which includes for the first time the adult characters of the male gonopods and chelipeds, is provided. New data on the habitat, population structure, and distribution of this species are also provided. Threats to the species and the implications to its conservation are discussed.

The rare and endangered Cameroonian potamonautid freshwater crab Louisea edeaensis (Bott, 1969) was recently rediscovered during a biological inventory of the freshwater decapods of southern Cameroon. The previous record dated back more than 100 years. The new specimens allow an updated diagnosis of the species based on comparisons of important taxonomic characters. Photographs of the carapace, gonopods, third maxillipeds, and chelipeds of the largest adult male specimen from Lake Ossa, Cameroon are provided, as are the first photographs of living specimens. The conservation implications of the new data on habitat, population structure, distribution, and threats for this rare and endangered species are discussed.