Water

We sometimes forget that our most needed and greatest resource on the planet is clean fresh water. Without it we would not last much more than three days!

Water is so important in arid Australia and a great wildlife magnet , especially for birds. When we were in Alice Springs a few weeks ago, the strong hot dry wind blowing throughout most of the day, dehydrated everything very rapidly. As this video shows, birds can quickly dehydrate, and need regular visits throughout the day to water sources. A dripping tap or a water-filled old hubcap often make an important source of water.

So if you're visiting the outback of Australia and see a dripping tap, if there's a good water supply, maybe just let it drip. That tap may be providing a whole community of animals with much needed water.