Alarms have been raised over the death of more than 300 African elephants in Botswana over the past several months. The mass deaths between May and June this year have been located near the country’s Okavango Delta, home to approximately 10% of the country’s 130,000 elephants.

The large number of elephant carcasses spotted near watering holes had baffled conservationists since the cause of the die-off was uncertain and had led to speculations and theories as to the possible causes of death.

However, the mystery might have been solved. The government wildlife officials indicated that the latest tests detected traces of cyanobacteria neurotoxins, thought to be the cause of death. Cyanobacteria can be routinely and naturally found in standing water, and can sometimes grow into large algal blooms known as blue-green algae.

Scientists worry that climate change will inevitably lead to the production of more toxins and will foster the growth of harmful algal blooms, as higher temperatures tend to create more optimal conditions for bacteria growth.

Mmadi Reuben, the Principal Veterinary Officer of Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks has commented that it is important to monitor now to effectively detect the growth of algal blooms in water. Reuben also added that the Department will be testing waterholes for algal blooms next rainy season to minimize the risks of another mass die-off of elephants.

The government officials have also ruled out poaching as the cause of death, noting that the tusks of the elephants have remained intact. Cyril Taolo, the Deputy Director of the country’s Wildlife and National Parks said:

“I don’t think anybody can ever say never, but in this instance, the available evidence is showing that this was a natural occurrence.”

However, conservationists remain skeptical since no other animal species have died, except for one horse. That said, some scientists have hypothesied that elephants may be more susceptible to cyanobacteria poisoning given that they spend a lot of time bathing in water and drinking large amounts of water.

Earlier in August, twenty-five elephants were found dead between Hwange national park and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, raising concerns that the two die-offs could be linked. Test samples have been sent to the UK for further analysis.

Botswana is home to the highest population of elephants in Africa. In May 2014, the country’s government revoked a hunting ban which led to the country selling hunting licences by auction to registered companies in Botswana in February this year. Each licensee is permitted to hunt 10 elephants in “controlled hunting areas”. Government officials have cited human-elephant conflict as one of the main reasons for lifting the ban.

Courtesy of Nicole Liang.

Main Sources: BBC, The Guardian and CNN