Researchers, vets, and fishermen captured Amazon river dolphins to study their health and adaptability to climate change after hundreds died in a severe drought.

Researchers, vets and fishermen captured and studied rare Amazon river dolphins to understand their health and adaptability to climate change, following the deaths of hundreds of dolphins due to extreme heat and low river levels in a severe drought last year. The dolphins, which are unique to South America, were brought ashore for blood tests and had microchips inserted to monitor their behavior via satellite. Researchers aim to learn more about the health of the dolphins at a time when water levels decrease and temperatures rise, to determine whether these changes are due to higher temperatures or a toxin or pollutant in the water. Environmental activists attribute the unusual conditions to climate change, increasing the likelihood of droughts and heatwaves.

August 22, 2024
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