Hundreds of dead penguins washed up in Brazil Published duration 21 July 2010

image caption The high number of dead penguins is worrying scientists

Hundreds of penguins have been washed up dead on the beaches of Brazil.

Scientists are still investigating what could have caused the death of around 500 animals found on the shores of Sao Paulo state.

They say autopsies carried out on some of the carcasses suggest they could have starved to death, as their stomachs were completely empty.

They are now trying to establish if strong currents and colder temperatures may be to blame.

Thiago do Nascimento of the Peruibe Aquarium says the cooler than usual temperatures off the coast could have driven away the fish and squid the penguins feed on.

But he did not rule out that overfishing could have decimated the penguins' food sources.

Mr Nascimento said between 100 and 150 penguins showed up on the beaches every year, but that they were normally alive, with only around 10 washed up dead in an average year.