We need better understanding about functional diversity and vulnerability of tropical freshwater fishes

• DOI: 10.1007/s10531-016-1258-8
• Publication Date: 2016-11-19T16:57:43Z
• Authors: Jean R. S. Vitule; Angelo A. Agostinho; Valter M. Azevedo...; Vanessa S. Daga; William R. T. Dar...; Daniel B. Fitzgerald; Fabrício A. Frehse; David J. Hoeinghaus; Dilermando P. Lim...; André L. B. Magal...; Mário L. Orsi; André A. Padial; Fernando M. Pelicice; Miguel Petrere; Paulo S. Pompeu; Kirk O. Winemiller
• Keywords: Vulnerability; Fresh water fish; Freshwater ecosystem; Scope (computer science)

Here we extend a discussion initiated by Toussaint et al. (Sci Rep 6:22125, 2016) concerning the relationship between global patterns of freshwater fish functional diversity (FD) and its vulnerability to human impacts. Based on set morphological traits, they concluded that Neotropical fishes have highest FD, but low given high levels redundancy. This conclusion implies conservation efforts for should emphasize temperate regions. perspective is risky, because al.'s study seriously underestimates full scope including important ecosystem services provided in tropics. We briefly discuss some additional well-documented aspects tropical FD conclude highly vulnerable.