Nearly 100 bodies of gray dolphins drifted to the coast of Brazil

Scientists are investigating the cause of a series of gray dolphins dying in the Sepetiba gulf.

Scientists discovered at least 88 gray bodies washed into Sepetiba Bay in western Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, since December 16, National Geographic reported on January 8. On average, there are about 4 - 5 new dolphins per day.

The number of dead whales accounts for more than 10% of the dolphins in the dolphin population. This is about 800 children, probably the most concentrated gray dolphin in the world.

Determination of dolphins washed ashore on the coast of Brazil.(Photo: ABC News).

A number of local conservation organizations such as Boto Cinza and SOS Botos are analyzing the skin, blood and bone of dolphin bodies to find out the cause. Scientists believe that there is a possibility that a bacterium or virus has led to this situation. If so, maybe 70 - 80% of dolphins will die, according to Leonardo Flach, chief coordinator at the Boto Cinza Institute.

Gray dolphins often live in large flocks of up to 200 and have close relationships with each other. Therefore, the development of infectious diseases will cause serious consequences. Scientists hope to obtain research results at the end of January.

"One day we found the bodies of adult male whales, the next day it was the children and their offspring. Most of them were very thin and had deep lesions on their skin," Flach said.

Information about gray dolphins is still relatively small at present. However, Flach thinks they should be included in the list of endangered species. Previously, the mortality rate of gray whales in the region was about 5 per month due to overfishing and chemical pollution. In 2016, the number of dead whales was 69, while 2010 was only 32.

The area around Rio de Janeiro is very polluted and illegal dolphin catch is common, Flach said. Sepetiba Bay is surrounded by apartment buildings, shipyards and harbors. However, scientists are not sure how this development affects dolphins.

"Gray dolphins are endangered creatures. But now, with this unspecified disease, we hope to put more pressure on the authorities to help us protect the dolphins." , Flach said.