As the last step to the project of producing maps showing the endangered Brazilian fauna, IBGE releases one that shows, for the first time in the national territory, the 238 endangered species and subspecies of fishes and aquatic invertebrates, according to the List of Species of Brazilian Endangered Fauna, of Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources), published in 2004. 

Presented in the scale 1:5.000,000 (in which 1cm corresponds to 50 km of the territory), the map "Endangered Fauna: Aquatic Invertebrates and Fishes - 2009" can be bought for R$ 15 at IBGE bookshops all over the country and also through  the Institute’s  virtual shop, on the website www.ibge.gov.br, where it is also possible to access and download the map freely, either by clicking on “Maps” in the “Channels” section, or on the Geosciences section.

The map of endangered fishes and aquatic invertebrates completes the series which started in 2006 and that includes a specific map for birds; one for mammals, reptiles and amphibians; and a map of insects and other land invertebrates, amounting to 632 species which may be extinct in case no measure towards their preservation is taken.

Among the 238 endangered species and subspecies shown in the map, 79 are aquatic invertebrates – such as  starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea anemones- and 159 are salt and sweet water fishes – for example, sharks, cape sharks, sawfish, leopard fish, red fish, catfish, armored catfish and lambaris. These animals were first included in IBAMA’s catalog in 2004, and the biggest number of them can be found in the states of São Paulo (86), Rio de Janeiro (76), Rio Grande do Sul (55), Bahia (51) and Paraná (43). Among the species shown in the map, 41 (6 aquatic invertebrates and 35 fishes) are in serious endangerment, for example, marisco-do-junco, irregular sea urchins, smoothhounds and surubim, among others.

Aquatic invertebrates are little known and studied; several of them live under the sea and do not move, which in general makes it difficult to see them; many of these animals do not even have a common name. Fishes are more known and studied and form a much bigger population. The destruction of natural habitats is one of the main factors which accelerate the process of extinction of such animals; other factors  are water pollution, overfishing, sport fishing, trade of ornamental fish, etc. 

The map of fishes and aquatic invertebrates is illustrated with pictures of animals and also brings information about primitive vegetation,  human-altered area (changed by man) and delimitation of biomes. The legend shows the names of classes, orders and families of each species, as well as their scientific and common names, categories of endangerment (critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable) and geographic distribution.

Studies about endangered species have been conducted by IBGE since the beginning of the 1980’s, they are mainly based on IBAMA lists and  complemented by relevant information researched at different institutions and taken from specialized literature. The studies produce data which are stored in the database of the fauna registers, where maps are generated. By showing the spatial location of fauna, IBGE adds to guidance in coming recovery programs aimed at endangered species, at the same time it contributed to the development  environmental conscience among the population.