TEFE — A baby dolphin carcass was found on a sandbank exposed by receding waters in an Amazon lake experiencing its worst drought on record. Researchers recovered the body on September 18 and noted that rising water temperatures are occurring as the lake continues to dry up. In 2023, over 200 endangered freshwater dolphins died in Lake Tefe due to high water temperatures.

Miriam Marmontel, head of the dolphin project at the Mamiraua Institute for Sustainable Development, reported finding multiple dead dolphins, averaging one per day last week. She noted that while they are not yet linking the deaths to rising water temperatures, they are concerned about increased interactions between humans,, particularly fishermen, and the dolphins.

As major river branches in the Amazon basin dry up during the critical 2024 drought, the lake connected to the Solimoes River has shrunk, reducing the dolphins' habitat. The lake's main channel, measuring two meters deep and about 100 meters wide, is heavily trafficked by boats, including canoes and ferries. Recently, two dolphins were killed when boats collided with them in the shallow waters.

Fisherman Clodomar Lima remarked that no one anticipated this drought would arrive so quickly or exceed last year’s drought. While dolphin deaths are currently lower than in 2023, researchers warn that the dry season still has over a month to go, and water levels will continue to fall.

The drought is affecting not just dolphins but also riverine communities, which are stranded due to shallow waters that hinder boat transport. Floating houses are now on solid ground, and even stilt houses that were once over water are now far from the riverbank.

Lake Tefe resident Francisco Alvaro Santos expressed concern, stating it was the first time his floating house has been out of the water. "Water is everything to us. It’s part of our daily lives and essential for transportation. Without water, we are nobody!" he said.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters