Stream life (IMAGE) Duke University Caption Mountaintop mining threatens streams in the Appalachian region, a global hotspot of biodiversity. Credit Credit: David Herasimtschuk, Freshwaters Illustrated Usage Restrictions Please credit David Herasimtschuk, Freshwaters Illustrated License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.