In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, a recent report by scientists has shed light on the mysterious mass deaths of African elephants. The study suggested that these outbreaks may be linked to the impact of global warming and the climate crisis, rather than poaching or poisoning as previously thought. The sudden deaths of these elephants in Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2020 sparked public concern and speculation, prompting an investigation into the possible causes.
Initial theories included environmental intoxication, infectious diseases, and increased habitat stress due to ongoing drought, but these were eventually ruled out. The elephants died during the dry season when food and water resources were scarce, forcing them to travel long distances in search of sustenance. A bacterial infection was identified as the cause of death, based on research conducted on samples taken from the deceased animals.
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, revealed that a little-known bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45 had caused septicemia, or blood poisoning, in the elephants. The researchers failed to find evidence of cyanobacterial or other intoxication, leading to the conclusion that the deaths were due to bacterial septicaemia. This discovery has significant implications for the conservation of African elephants, which are already threatened by poaching and habitat destruction.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the population of African elephants has decreased by 144,000 between 2007 and 2014, with ongoing annual losses projected at 8%. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures from further decline. This new understanding of the factors contributing to the mass deaths of African elephants highlights the complex challenges that wildlife faces in the era of climate change.