8-Foot-Long Rare Dolphin Carcass Washes Ashore on Belembar Beach in Ankola

An eight-foot-long carcass of a rare dolphin was discovered on Belembar beach in Ankola taluk on Saturday, drawing local crowds and prompting an investigation by forest and marine wildlife officials.

The dolphin, which preliminary information suggests may belong to the rare 'Oceanic Humpback' species, was first spotted by local resident Nandan Kharvi and a group of local fishermen during a visit to the beach. Upon noticing the large marine mammal lying on the shore, they immediately alerted the Forest Department.

Following the alert, officials from the Forest Department and the Marine Wildlife Division arrived at Belembar beach to inspect the carcass.

According to officials at the scene, the dolphin is generally black in colour but had turned completely white after its death. They estimated that the mammal may have died several days prior to being washed ashore on the beach.

The discovery quickly drew a large crowd to the seashore, as local residents and fishermen gathered to see the rare dolphin.

Following the initial inspection by the Forest and Marine Wildlife Division officials, the carcass was transported and sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of the animal's death.