Eastern Slovakia's Wetlands Dry Up, Threatening Rare Bird Species

The Zemplín region in eastern Slovakia has lost virtually all of its significant wetlands, areas that were once so water-rich that people traveled by boat between villages like Senné and Michalovce. The dramatic drying of these marshlands has eliminated crucial nesting habitats for rare bird species and destroyed their food sources. The Zemplín wetlands historically served as important stopover points for migratory birds and breeding grounds for numerous waterfowl species. The loss of these ecosystems represents a significant blow to the region's biodiversity, as the area can now be crossed on foot where boats were once necessary for transportation.