Moravian Karst stream drying up causes crayfish deaths

The Bílá voda stream in the Moravian Karst nature reserve is experiencing extreme drying due to a prolonged precipitation deficit and high temperatures. Conservationists report that sections of the stream, including areas between Holštejn and Nová Rasovna, have become completely dry.

This environmental stress is causing significant harm to local wildlife. Dozens of dead river crayfish have been discovered in the remaining pools, with only about twenty live specimens found during a recent inspection. While small fish and certain species like the stone loach and marbled sculpin are currently surviving in shrinking puddles, they face certain death if the pools dry up completely.

Experts note that while the stream has dried up briefly in previous years, the current situation is exceptionally severe. The loss of shade from the removal of spruce trees in certain sections has also contributed to the rapid evaporation of the remaining water.