According to researchers, the fact that more than 100 dolphins have died in Brazil’s Amazon River is unusual and may be due to record high water temperatures in Lake Tefe and prolonged drought.
More than 100 dolphins have died in Brazil’s Amazon River in the past few days, when the river water temperature was a record high – more than 39 degrees Celsius and a prolonged drought in the area.
The Mamiraua Research Institute of the Brazilian Ministry of Science said that dolphin carcasses were found in Lake Tefe, Amazon River basin.
According to researchers, such a large number of dead dolphins is unusual and the cause may be due to record high water temperatures in Lake Tefe and prolonged drought.
This information could make climate scientists more concerned about the negative impacts of human activity and unusual drought on the region.
Mamiraua Institute believes that it is too early to determine the exact cause of this mass death of dolphins.
Researchers and environmental activists are working to save the surviving dolphins in Lake Tefe by moving them to colder waters.
However, this is not easy due to geographical distance. In addition, according to researcher Andre Coelho, transferring dolphins to other rivers is not feasible because it must be tested for toxins or the risk of disease-causing viruses in the new water environment.
The Amazon River, the world’s largest waterway, is currently in its dry season. Many aquatic species here are being negatively impacted by record high temperatures.
Heat also affects the lives of people in Brazil’s Amazonas state – where the Amazon River flows through.
Fifty-nine urban areas in the state reported below-average water levels that are hindering shipping and fishing activities on the river.