Friday, March 29, 2024

Endangered Amazon River Dolphins Found Dead With Signs Of Foul Play

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Researchers have found some disturbing evidence of foul play against two freshwater dolphin species in the Amazon River.

During a 19-day expedition, Sea Shepherd and Brazil’s National Institute for Research in the Amazon (INPA) spotted 3,200 Tucuxi River Dolphins and 1,400 Amazon River Dolphins, but they also found three dead tucuxis with signs of foul play.

The first, an adult, had a net mark around his neck and a 3-inch/76mm puncture wound below the pectoral fin that researchers believe was caused by a harpoon. The second juvenile dolphin had a possible harpoon wound near his tail, while the third victim had no discernible signs of injury or illness.

Data gathered during the expedition reveals that the density of river dolphins varies significantly across the study sites, with a higher number of sightings occurring in protected regions.

INPA Research Leader Dr. Sannie Brum commented on the expedition:

“The survey was a great success. It is an important step for us to be able to map the population health of these species in the long term, and in a wider area: this reading is a key piece for us to know the conservation status of these species. You can only protect what you know.”

You can find out more information here.

Sam Helmy
Sam Helmyhttps://www.deeperblue.com
Sam Helmy is a TDI/SDI Instructor Trainer, and PADI Staff and Trimix Instructor. Diving for 28 years, a dive pro for 14, I have traveled extensively chasing my passion for diving. I am passionate about everything diving, with a keen interest in exploration, Sharks and big stuff, Photography and Decompression theory. Diving is definitely the one and only passion that has stayed with me my whole life! Sam is a Staff Writer for DeeperBlue.com

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