Drought and heatwaves trigger water shortages for livestock and wildlife

Severe heatwaves and prolonged drought have caused wells and reservoirs to dry up in parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, threatening both livestock and wildlife.

In the Šipov region, the agricultural cooperative ‘Planinsko Mlijeko’ has been delivering up to 10 tons of water daily to farmers whose wells have completely emptied. Local farmers report that water shortages are a long-standing issue that becomes critical during the summer months when rainfall is absent.

In Tomislavgrad, the ‘Orlov kuk’ hunting association is working to prevent dehydration in wild animals. Members are refilling watering holes and installing canisters to ensure that species like deer do not have to leave their natural habitats to seek water near human settlements.