Dramatic drought: Thuringia's wild animals fight for survival!

Dramatic drought: Thuringia's wild animals fight for survival!

In these hot summer days, the continued drought in Thuringia not only ensures sweating people, but also for significant problems in the flora and fauna. The Nabu nature conservation association warns that many wild animals suffer greatly from lack of water and overheating. The image of the dry water points, where puddles and trenches once caused “vital” water were particularly striking. Jürgen Ehrhardt from NABU makes it clear how important drinking and bathing spots are for the survival of many species. But the reality looks dark: many small waters that are urgently needed for the reproduction of species such as fire salamander are massively affected, reports [n-tv] (https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/thueringen/nabu-trockatkeit-thuerseningen-thueners-wildtieren-massiv- zu-article2581621.html).

The effects of drought are serious. For example, grass frogs have been experiencing a strong decline in their inventory in Thuringia for years. This increases the already existing threats to the wildlife. BUND Naturschutz indicates that the flora also suffers from this heat period. Forests show drought damage and even dry up robust cultures. Richard Mergner, the chairman of the federal government, has already emphasized several times how important forests and wetlands are against climate change as protective mechanisms. Flat roots such as spruce are particularly at risk, which increases the risk of bark beetles and forest fires. This is not just locally limited problems, but a large ecological dilemma in Germany, explains BUND NATURGECHUNG.

a worrying trend

The situation becomes even clearer by the Wadklim project of the Federal Environment Office. The aim is to examine the effects of drought and drought on water availability and the floor water balance in Germany. The researchers are working on evaluating the current water availability and analyzing future usage conflicts. In view of the climate change, it is particularly important to develop solutions in order to secure the water availability and thus also to protect the habitats of our wild animals, as described on the website of the Environmental Federal Agency.

The voice of nature

In a common appeal, nature conservation organizations and scientists urgently demand political and social measures to address the continuing damage to flora and fauna. Dr. Christine Margraf, a species protection expert, describes the situation as an ecological emergency. Many wild animals hardly find any water areas, and the development of habitats is becoming increasingly difficult. If we don't rethink, not only our animal species, but entire ecosystems, threaten to tip.

The situation is not only locally questionable, but also raises alarming questions on how we, as a society, can preserve our natural environment and leave future generations. It is clear that we are responsible for becoming active now and developing sustainable solutions to protect nature.