Drought: Pergusa Lake in Sicily disappears

Sicily is facing an unprecedented water crisis, aggravated by weeks of torrid heat and lack of rain. One of the effects of this situation is the almost total disappearance of the lake of Pergusa, the only natural lake in Sicily. Situated a few kilometres from Enna, this natural basin was a reference point for migratory fauna, in particular for numerous species of birds that stopped there on their way between Africa and Europe. Moreover, Lake Pergusa was known since antiquity and linked to numerous legends, such as that of the Rape of Proserpine.

Photo: Getty Images

The lake of Pergusa has always been invaluable from a fauna point of view, being a refuge for many species of migratory birds. Precisely because of its value, a special nature reserve was established to protect it. However, neither its scenic importance nor the protection of the reserve were able to save it from catastrophe. The combination of the extreme drought and the pollution has led to a drastic reduction of this natural basin, officially declaring its disappearance on 26 June 2024. Now only a muddy puddle remains, a symbol of the water crisis that has long plagued Sicily.

Photo: Salvatore Ingala's sister, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The lake of Pergusa has always been regarded as a true county of biodiversity. According to a study conducted between 2003 and 2007 and published on ResearchGate, 12 mammal species, 167 bird species (of which 72 nesting), 8 reptile species and 4 amphibian species have been counted. In addition, as specified in the study, Lake Pergusa "is the only reservoir in Sicily with neither tributaries nor outfalls, and can therefore be defined as endoreic; it is characterised by wide fluctuations in water level depending on rainfall and summer evaporation. Its waters are slightly brackish and under certain conditions the presence of anaerobic photosynthetic sulphobacteria causes a characteristic reddening of its waters. It is located exactly in the centre of Sicily, in the province of Enna, at 667 m above sea level, has a perimeter of 4.5 km, underlies a catchment area of 6.8 km2 and is surrounded by a series of reliefs that culminate between 750 and 911 m'.

The drought has devastating effects on biodiversity, severely affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Reduced water resources lead to the loss of habitats for many animal and plant species, compromising local biodiversity. Plants, crucial to the food chain, suffer from water scarcity, reducing plant cover and the ability to support other organisms. Animals dependent on water for survival are forced to migrate to new, often less suitable areas, increasing the risk of species conflicts and decreasing local populations. Drought also accelerates desertification, further degrading natural habitats. The loss of biodiversity also compromises ecosystem services essential for human life, such as water purification, climate regulation and soil fertility, with negative long-term consequences.

The biodiversity is thus one of the main victims of the drought that has affected the Pergusa Lake. Its disappearance threatens not only the local ecosystem, but also has serious economic and cultural repercussions for the region. As well as being a natural heritage, Lake Pergusa is an important historical and environmental reference point for Enna and the whole of Sicily. The loss of this unique ecosystem compromises the cultural identity and historical value of the area. To address this crisis, it is necessary to implement both immediate and long-term actions, thanks to a collective and coordinated commitment on the part of institutions and the scientific community.