The passage of an extratropical cyclone has left almost 600 penguins dead on the coast of Santa Catarina since Tuesday (9). In all, 596 animals were found on the coast, according to the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), which is investigating the case.
In addition to the penguins, turtles, seagulls and frigate birds were found dead on the coast. The cause of death, however, remains unknown. Specialists work with two hypotheses: the first is that the animals were already lifeless on the high seas and were washed ashore. The second, that the reason for the death was, in fact, the passage of the cyclone.
Magellanic penguins, a species found on beaches, are seen along the Brazilian coast from June to November. They migrate from the Falklands and Patagonia following the flow of water and in search of food.
On this route, it is common for animals to die, either because of fishing nets, for not being able to complete the route and among other causes.
With wind gusts of up to 110 km/h, the cyclone’s passage through the state forced more than 300 people to leave their homes. In just 48 hours, more than 200 millimeters of rain were recorded.
*Posted by Daniel Reis
Source: CNN Brasil
