Like humans, animals need water to survive. Surface water sources such as puddles, raindrops on leaves and dew on grass provide much of the water used by wildlife.
Animals also get water from the foods they eat.
But clean, fresh water often is scarcer than food. A lack of water can force wildlife to shun habitats that otherwise suit their needs. Water also must be in a form available to wildlife. Lakes or canals with steeply sloping sides are virtually useless to many animals. Butterflies cannot drink any free-standing water.