“Biologists and vets capture rare Amazon dolphins to study health and prevent past drought deaths.”

Biologists and vets captured rare Amazon dolphins for health checks and microchipping this week.

The dolphins were examined, microchipped, and returned to Lake Tefé after tests, including a biopsy.

Last year, over 200 river dolphins died in Lake Tefé due to extreme drought conditions and high water temperatures.

The project aims to understand the cause of last year’s deaths before the new drought season begins.

Amazon river dolphins, many pink, are a vulnerable species due to slow reproduction and climate threats.

Researchers hope to identify health impacts related to rising temperatures or pollutants.