Amazon River dolphins (also called pink dolphins) are the largest of the freshwater varieties of these mammals. Now more than 100 of them were found dead in the week leading up to 1 October. Scientists believe it was the historic drought and record high water temperatures caused by the climate crisis that killed them.

According to the Mamirauá Institute, a research centre funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, all the dead dolphins were found in Lake Tefé over the past seven days.

"It’s still early to determine the cause of this extreme event but according to our experts, it is certainly connected to the drought period and high temperatures in Lake Tefé, in which some points are exceeding 39 degrees Celsius," the institute told CNN Brasil.

Scientists and activists are trying to save the surviving dolphins by moving them from the lagoons and ponds to the main river where the water is cooler. CNN Brasil reports that the operation is difficult due to the remoteness of the area.

The Amazon is currently in a particularly severe dry season. Many of the species that inhabit it are suffering from record high temperatures.

The drought in the Amazon is also having a negative impact on Brazil's economy. Below-average water levels have been recorded in 59 municipalities in the state of Amazonas. This is hampering both transport and fishing activities on the river. Unfortunately, authorities expect even more severe droughts in the next few weeks, which could result in more deaths of Amazonian dolphins.

Source: edition.cnn.com