Dolphin carcass found at Perlis' Kurong Tengar beach

The carcass of a dolphin, estimated to be between 26 and 30 years old based on its size and body colour, was washed up to the shores of Kurong Tengar Beach in Kuala Perlis early this morning.

The dolphin carcass's finding went viral on social media, especially PerlisActive Facebook, which stated that the carcass was found in the area at approximately 1.49am.

Perlis Fisheries Department director Mohammed Roshaizat Mustaffa said the department received information about the discovery of the carcass (belonging to the Irrawaddy dolphin species or empesut dolphin) from members of the public at 8am.

“The estimated weight of this animal is between 90kg and 120kg, and the cause of death is still under investigation,” he said in a statement today.

Roshaizat said storms that produce strong waves and ocean currents could wash marine mammals such as whales and dolphins ashore, stranding them. 

“Weak or injured marine mammals may not be able to fight these strong waves and end up stranded. In addition, 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 said.

Last Tuesday, Bernama also reported that the carcass of a dolphin of the same species, estimated to weigh 130kg, was found in the Kuala Sungai Padang area near Kangar.

- Bernama

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