More than 100 dolphins died in the Amazon rainforest last week as the region faces a severe drought, and many more could die soon if water temperatures remain high, experts say.
The Mamirauá Institute, a research group under Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, reported that two more dead dolphins were found on Monday (2) in the area around Lake Tefé, which is crucial for mammals and fish in the region. A video provided by the institute showed vultures attacking the carcasses of dolphins stranded on the shore of the lake. Thousands of fish have also died, local media reported.
Experts believe that high water temperatures are the most likely cause of the deaths in the region’s lakes. Temperatures have exceeded 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Lake Tefé area since last week.
The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, a Brazilian government agency that manages conservation areas, said last week that it has sent teams of veterinarians and aquatic mammal specialists to investigate the deaths.
There were about 1,400 dolphins in Lake Tefé, according to researchers from the Mamirauá Institute. The loss of 120 animals constituted nearly 10% of the population. The population is also suffering
Nicson Marreira, mayor of Tefé, a city of 60,000 inhabitants, said the government has been unable to deliver food to some communities because the rivers are dry. Many communities are becoming isolated, lacking access to good quality water and the river, which is the main means of local transportation.
Source: AP