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certain waterways, which were formerly permanent but now flow only intermittently, undermining the biotopes of many species.flora – certain species are jeopardized.wildlife and domestic fauna, especially those kept in poor conditions.The most alarming consequences with respect to biodiversity affect: Such changes include the alteration of floristic composition, a reduction in biomass cover and diminished growth and reproduction capacities of vegetation. The risks inherent in drought and desertification can be summarised as follows:ĭrought and desertification sometimes cause irreversible changes to biodiversity, the soil and vegetation. intensive human activity exceeding acceptable thresholds.Ī drought is a period of below-average precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages in the water supply that can have a substantial impact on the ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region (Wikipedia).īroadly speaking, desertification can result in an environmental crisis, producing conditions or landscapes close to those of a desert (Encyclopaedia of Environmental Sciences, 1999).ĭrought and desertification have an impact on all aspects of life, showing the extent to which the environment and means of subsistence are interdependent.natural physical conditions which are susceptible to desertification.In order for desertification to occur, two factors appear to be crucial: raised vegetation cover (tropical forest) is degraded to savanna.Desertification encompasses a wide range of effects which degrade the vegetation cover and soil, for example: Roughly speaking, desertification can be considered as a severe case of drought (both in intensity and in duration) which leads to conditions generating landscapes similar to that of a desert. drying out of soil and an increase in salinity levels). drying out or loss of crops, including dry-land crops) a decrease in surface overflow, the drying up of rivers, lakes and springs, groundwater drawdown) an increase in temperature, sun or wind)

It constitutes a major risk and can have a serious impact in a number of ways: Drought is the result of a deficiency in precipitation.