Unexplained elephant deaths in Botswana

Hundreds of elephants have reportedly died mysteriously since May in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The country has the world’s largest elephant population, estimated at 130,000


African elephant


Okavango Delta: At least 275 elephant deaths confirmed since early May. Delta is home to estimated 15,000 elephants

NAMIBIA
Makgadikgadi Pans
BOTSWANA
KALAHARI DESERT
Gaborone
ZIMBABWE
SOUTH AFRICA

200km 125 miles


Poaching: Ruled out as possible cause as carcasses have been found with their tusks on

Anthrax: Infectious disease caused by spore-forming bacteria – which sometimes affects wildlife in Botswana – not found in samples taken from dead animals

Algal blooms: Can make water toxic to large animals. Up to 70% of dead elephants have been found near watering holes, but other animals do not seem to be dying in large numbers

Drought
Common cause of death in arid parts of southern Africa, but researchers say
there is ample water in Okavango region following recent rain

Potential other disease
Live elephants seen in physically weakened state or walking in circles, indicating possible neurological impairment. Some carcasses found face down, suggesting sudden collapse and death


Source: Reuters 
Picture: Newscom 
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