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ABSTRACT MotivationFreshwater ecosystems have been heavily impacted by land‐use changes, but data syntheses on these impacts are still limited. Here, we compiled a global database encompassing 241 studies with species abundance data (from multiple biological groups and geographic locations) across sites with different land‐use categories. This compilation will be useful for addressing questions regarding land‐use change and its impact on freshwater biodiversity. Main Types of Variables ContainedThe database includes metadata of each study, sites location, sample methods, sample time, land‐use category and abundance of each taxon. Spatial Location and GrainThe database contains data from across the globe, with 85% of the sites having well‐defined geographical coordinates. Major Taxa and Level of MeasurementThe database covers all major freshwater biological groups including algae, macrophytes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, fish and amphibians. 

Abstract The relationship between detritivore diversity and decomposition can provide information on how biogeochemical cycles are affected by ongoing rates of extinction, but such evidence has come mostly from local studies and microcosm experiments. We conducted a globally distributed experiment (38 streams across 23 countries in 6 continents) using standardised methods to test the hypothesis that detritivore diversity enhances litter decomposition in streams, to establish the role of other characteristics of detritivore assemblages (abundance, biomass and body size), and to determine how patterns vary across realms, biomes and climates. We observed a positive relationship between diversity and decomposition, strongest in tropical areas, and a key role of abundance and biomass at higher latitudes. Our results suggest that litter decomposition might be altered by detritivore extinctions, particularly in tropical areas, where detritivore diversity is already relatively low and some environmental stressors particularly prevalent.