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How water loss affects biodiversity

By Anuar Montero Martínez and Diego de la Torre Grageda
Water is the essence of life and contributes to the creation of biodiversity on our planet. From the vast number of oceans to microorganisms, all life forms depend on water to survive. However, in recent years there has been an alarming rate of water loss and its consequences have become a global problem, which are becoming serious threats to biodiversity.

Foto de César Hernández Hernández.
Autor/Banco de imágenes/Conabio
Aquatic ecosystems, oceans, and rivers are incredible examples of forms of life. The loss of water disrupts the balance of these ecosystems, causing great consequences for biodiversity.

Foto de Gabriela González Vázquez.
Autor/Banco de imágenes/Conabio
With reducing water levels in rivers and lakes, the amounts of habitat for aquatic species decreases, which causes a decrease in population and even extinction events. Furthermore, the changes in water temperature and chemistry due to decreased volume of water can increase the vulnerability of aquatic species, especially those sensitive to environmental variations.
In Mexico, it is estimated that about 40% of drinking water is lost due to leaks in the pipes and the ambiguous distribution systems that exist, there have also been numerous droughts in Mexico, those in the north of the country being well known.
Over 70% of the water in Mexico is contaminated, this is because of the people and fabrics of the country. According to data from the National Water Commission (Conagua). The availability of fresh water in the country is very bad compared to other countries, being 4 000 cubic meters per person per year. In 2021there were registered 8,491 droughts, 71% being severe.

Foto de Diana González.
Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, reducing flooding, and providing habitat for multiple water quality, reducing flooding, and providing habitat for multiple species of flora and fauna, especially in regions such as Tabasco. species of flora and fauna, especially in regions such as Tabasco. However, the loss of water due to However, the loss of water due to factors such as drainage for agriculture and urban development has led to rapid deterioration of wetland ecosystems around the world. This loss not only threatens the survival of specialized species, but also disrupts the migratory patterns of numerous bird species that depend on wetlands. Migratory patterns of numerous bird species that depend on wetlands as crucial points during their journeys.


Foto de Jesús Alberto García Salazar.
Autor/Banco de imágenes/Conabio
Although attention is often focused on aquatic ecosystems, the loss of water also profoundly affects biodiversity.
Droughts, intensified by climate change and poor water management, have become more frequent and more dangerous, leading to habitat degradation and loss, especially in states such as Nuevo León.
As a consequence, many species of plants and animal species face difficulties in accessing water and nutrients, leading to reduced reproductive success, smaller population sizes and, in extreme cases, local extinctions.

Foto de Eliud Gil Samaniego.
Autor/Banco de imágenes/Conabio:
Water loss also increases the vulnerability of biodiversity hotspots, regions characterized by high water and nutrient availability. biodiversity zones, regions characterized by high levels of species richness. These areas, often centered in tropical forests and coastal regions, face a host of threats, including deforestation, pollution and water-induced pollution and climate change-induced water scarcity. The loss of water increases these challenges, pushing numerous species to the brink of extinction.
Biodiversity loss resulting from water loss has an impact on individual species, impacting the provision of important ecosystem services on which they depend. As well as ecosystem services on which human groups depend. As biodiversity decreases due to water loss, the resilience of ecosystems to combat environmental disturbances weakens, creating risks to human well-being and increases social vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, water loss poses a major threat to biodiversity on a global scale, with consequences also for ecosystems and human societies.
Urgent action is needed to address the causes of water loss, including unsustainable water management practices, climate change and management practices.
By prioritizing conservation efforts and promoting sustainable water use, we can learn about the impacts of water loss and safeguard the rich species of life that inhabit our planet.
Only through collective action can we ensure a future in which water sustains life in all its diversity.
Referencias
Bagayas, M. (2023, June 20). Water pollution and its effect on aquatic biodiversity. Recuperado de https://krakensense.com
ReadWorks. (2023). How water loss affects biodiversity. Recuperado de https://www.readworks.org/
Ríos, V. (2023, August 20). México seco, las cifras ocultas de la carestía del agua. Recuperado de https://elpais.com
Staff, I. (2023, March 22). Situación del agua en México. Recuperado de https://imco.org.mx
Wetlandsglobal. (2023, June 28). Bending the curve of freshwater biodiversity loss. Recuperado de https://www.wetlands.org/