More than 100 dolphins, thousands of fish found dead in Brazil
Brazil has declared a state of emergency after the death of over 100 dolphins due to intense drought in the Amazon region. The high water temperatures, reaching over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, appear to be the cause. The Mamiraua Institute reported the discovery of more deceased dolphins and thousands of dead fish in Tefe Lake. Efforts to recover the carcasses have been ongoing. The drought has also disrupted human activities, making some areas inaccessible.
Around 100 dolphins were found dead in
Brazil last week, prompting a local governor to declare a state of emergency while experts warn of potential additional deaths, reports Fox News.
The Brazilian Amazon region is currently facing a severe drought, and the likely cause of the deaths in the lakes appears to be soaring water temperatures, according to a Fox News report.
The
Mamiraua Institute , under Brazil's
Ministry of Science, Technology , and
Innovation , reported the discovery of more deceased dolphins on Monday. Local reports also indicated the death of thousands of fish in
Tefe Lake , a critical resource for mammals and fish in the area.
Miriam Marmontel , a researcher from the Mamiraua Institute, expressed concern, stating, "In one week we have already lost around 120 animals between the two of them, which could represent 5% to 10% of the population."
Ayan Fleischmann , the geospatial coordinator at the Mamirauá Institute, noted that water temperatures surged from 89°F on Friday to nearly 100°F on Sunday.
In response to the drought's impact,
Amazonas Governor
Wilson Lima declared a state of emergency last Friday. Efforts to recover dolphin carcasses have been ongoing since last week.
The drought has not only affected local wildlife but has also disrupted human activities, as some isolated areas have become inaccessible for travel and supply deliveries due to the reliance on waterways as the primary mode of transportation.