Another dolphin washed on the beaches of Perlis dead on Thursday (Sept 19).
IN THE ever-unfolding drama of nature, yet another aquatic mystery has surfaced in Perlis.
Following recent reports of a dolphin carcass, social media is now abuzz with the discovery of another unfortunate marine mammal washing up on the shores of Kurong Tengar Beach.
Could it be true that Perlis has seen a second dolphin meet its tragic end?
Verdict:
TRUE
The carcass of a dolphin, estimated to be between 26 and 30 years old based on its size and body colour, washed up on the shores of Kurong Tengar Beach in Kuala Perlis early on Thursday (Sept 19) morning.
The finding went viral on social media, especially on the Perlis Active Facebook page, which reported that the carcass was discovered at approximately 1.49am.
Perlis Fisheries Department Director Mohammed Roshaizat Mustaffa confirmed that the department received information about the discovery of the carcass, belonging to the Irrawaddy dolphin species (also known as empesut dolphin), from members of the public at 8am.
"The estimated weight of this dolphin is between 90kg and 120kg and the cause of death is still under investigation," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Mohammed Roshaizat suggested that tide and storm factors could have contributed to the stranding.
"Weak or injured marine mammals may not be able to fight strong waves and end up stranded. Additionally, storms can disrupt the navigational abilities of marine mammals.
"They rely on echolocation and the earth's magnetic field to find their way. Weather disturbances such as storms or sudden changes in atmospheric pressure can cause them to lose their way and accidentally get stranded on the beach," he explained.
Sadly, last Tuesday (Sept 17), Bernama reported that the carcass of another dolphin of the same species, estimated to weigh 130kg, was found in the Kuala Sungai Padang area near Kuala Perlis.
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