climate
Amazon region: Over 100 dead river dolphins discovered
An Amazon dolphin in the Rio Negro: Over 100 dead freshwater dolphins have been discovered in the Brazilian Amazon. photo
© Jeon Heon-Kyun/EPA/dpa
The exact cause of death of the animals has yet to be determined. Is there a connection to the current heat and drought in the area?
The exact cause of death still needs to be determined. However, it can be assumed that it is related to the current heat and drought in the region. Water temperatures of over 39 degrees were recently measured in the lake.
The Amazon region is currently suffering from high temperatures and a severe drought. Many rivers in the region carry significantly less water than the average of previous years. The normal dry season is currently being intensified by the El Niño climate phenomenon.
Amazon river dolphins are the largest river dolphins. They grow to around 2 to 2.5 meters tall and weigh 85 to 185 kilograms. “The Amazon river dolphins are exposed to numerous pressures, such as the effects of hydroelectric power plants, mercury pollution and conflicts with humans. Now these small freshwater dolphins are even more directly affected by climate problems,” said Mariana Paschoalini Frias from the environmental organization WWF. “We need to take effective protective measures immediately, but in the long term more research is needed to find out how they will be affected by ongoing climate change and the reduction of water areas.”