Natural toxins likely killed hundreds of Botswana elephants — govt | Inquirer Technology

Natural toxins likely killed hundreds of Botswana elephants — govt

/ 02:30 PM August 01, 2020

elephants in Botswana

Hundreds of elephants have been found dying. Image: courtesy of National Park Rescue via AFP

Hundreds of elephants that died mysteriously in Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta probably succumbed to natural toxins, the wildlife department said Friday.

The landlocked southern African country has the world’s largest elephant population, estimated to be around 130,000. Around 300 of them have been found dying since March.

Article continues after this advertisement

Authorities have so far ruled out anthrax, as well as poaching, as the tusks were found intact.

FEATURED STORIES

Preliminary tests conducted in various countries far have not been fully conclusive and more are being carried out, Wildlife and Parks Department boss Cyril Taolo told Agence France-Presse in a phone interview.

“But based on some of the preliminary results that we have received, we are looking at naturally-occurring toxins as the potential cause,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“To date we have not estabished the conclusion as to what is the cause of the mortality”.

Article continues after this advertisement

He explained that some bacteria can naturally produce poison, particularly in stagnant water.

Article continues after this advertisement

The government has so far established that 281 elephants died, although independent conservationists say more than 350.

The deaths were first flagged by a wildlife conservation charity, Elephants Without Borders (EWB), whose confidential report referring to the 356 dead elephants was leaked to the media early in July.

Article continues after this advertisement

EWB suspected elephants had been dying in the area for about three months, and mortality was not restricted to age or gender.

Several live elephants appeared weak, lethargic and emaciated, with some showing signs of disorientation, difficulty in walking or limping, EWB said.

Tests are being conducted at specialist labs in South Africa, Canada, Zimbabwe and the United States. CL

RELATED STORIES:

Botswana investigates ‘mysterious deaths’ of 275 elephants

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Dog owner who abandoned pet inside 54-degree-Celsius car arrested for animal cruelty

TOPICS: Africa, anthrax, elephants, toxins, Wildlife
TAGS: Africa, anthrax, elephants, toxins, Wildlife

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.