Over 100 dolphins have been found dead in the Brazilian Amazon over
the past seven days due to historic drought and increasing water temperatures,
noting 102 degrees Fahrenheit, reported CNN.
According to the Mamiraua Institute, a research facility funded by
the Brazilian Ministry of Science, these dolphins were found in Lake Tefe.
The institute suggested record-high lake temperature and the
historic drought in the Amazon may have been the cause of the death, noting
that such a high number of deaths was unusual.
The world’s largest waterway, Amazon River, is currently in its dry
season and several specimens of river fauna are also dealing with record-high
temperatures.
The deaths will probably add to the concerns of climate scientists
over the effects human activity and extreme droughts are having on the region,
CNN reported.
The institute said, “It’s still early to determine the cause of
this extreme event but according to our experts, it is certainly connected to
the drought period and high temperatures in Lake Tefé, in which some points are
exceeding 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit).”
However, researchers and scientists are trying to rescue the
surviving dolphins by shifting them from lagoons and ponds in the outskirts to
the main body of the river where the water is comparatively cooler, according
to CNN Brasil.
Adding to this, CNN reported, the operation is not easy due to the
remoteness of the area.
Andre Coelho, a researcher at the Mamiraua Institute, told CNN
Brasil, “Transferring river dolphins to other rivers is not that safe because
it’s important to verify if toxins or viruses are present (before releasing the
animals into the wild).”
Moreover, as many as 59 municipalities have reported below average
levels of water in Amazonas State, hindering both transport and fishing
activities on the river, reported CNN.
Authorities are further expecting even more acute droughts over the
next couple of weeks, which could lead to more deaths of dolphins.
Furthermore, the deadly drought in the Amazon is river is further
impacting the economy.
ANI
