Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Scientists have finally uncovered the cause behind the mysterious mass deaths of African elephants. The sudden deaths of African elephants in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 led to widespread public concern and speculation. In a new report, experts suggest that the outbreaks could be linked to the conditions created by global warming and the climate crisis.
Initial phases of the investigation ruled out poaching and poisoning, leaving experts to consider environmental intoxication, infectious diseases, and increased habitat stress due to ongoing drought as potential causes. Dr. Chris Foggin, a veterinarian at Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust in Zimbabwe, emphasized the enigmatic nature of the mass deaths, stating that the simultaneous deaths of numerous elephants over a narrow time frame were unprecedented in the region.
As food and water resources declined during the dry season, the elephants were forced to travel greater distances to find sustenance. It was later found that a little-known bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45 caused the deadly infection, leading to septicemia, or blood poisoning. The detailed analysis, published in the journal Nature Communications, shed light on the cause of the deaths. The study mentioned that African elephants are a flagship species threatened by poaching and habitat destruction, with their population projected to decrease by 8% annually.
In conclusion, the study revealed that the mysterious deaths of African elephants in Botswana and Zimbabwe were caused by a bacterial infection, shedding light on the threats faced by this iconic species. The information gathered from the study is crucial in the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the dwindling population of African elephants.