(UO / 25-09-09)  Last week, the coasts of southern Argentina woke up with a sad scene: 42 pilot whales were stranded on the sand. The specimens of the species Globicephala melas were found alive during the weekend at the cove Malaspina, one of the largest reserves of birds and wildlife, but died during the following days.

Scientists at the Patagonian National Center (Cenpat), who study the cause of death of the 42 pilot whales, have found parasites in the ear of two specimens, and they think this is a possible cause of the mass stranding.

Some time ago, several studies claimed that the presence of parasites in the inner ear of these animals could be one of the causes of these strange mass stranding, as this organ influences the orientation and balance of the animal, as confirmed from the Natural Patagonia Foundation.

At first, scientists had explained that the causes of strandings are difficult to determine because they may be due to multiple episodes, such as sudden changes in oceanographic conditions, changes in climatic conditions, geomagnetic disturbances, escape from predators or accidents in pursuit of prey, effects of natural toxins (including natural death), without ruling out effects of anthropogenic pollution and noise pollution.

But much remains to be analyzed. According to biologists, the Caleta Malaspina, where the animals appeared is a real trap for them because it has a closed form where tide falls quickly and, for this reason, animals may be caught and getting stuck in the sand without the possibility of going back to the sea.