The mystery behind the deaths of over 350 elephants in Botswana revealed
mass elephant die-off in Botswana in 2020.
A new study published in -Science of the Total Environment- confirms toxic cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, poisoned over 350 elephants near the Okavango Delta.
The first elephant carcasses were discovered in May 2020, sparking international concern. Researchers initially ruled out poaching, starvation, and common infections. The presence of some elephants found face down hinted at a swift collapse.
Using satellite data, researchers from King’s College London tracked algal blooms in waterholes near where the elephants died. Geographer Davide Lomeo explained, “We identified 20 waterholes near fresh carcasses that experienced increased algal bloom events in 2020 compared to the previous three years combined. These waterholes also exhibited the highest average algal biomass of the period 2015 – 2023.”
The study found a higher concentration of carcasses near these affected waterholes compared to the usual distribution of elephant remains, indicating the elephants likely drank the contaminated water and travelled some distance before dying. Researchers believe the elephants likely died within 88 hours of exposure. The analysis focused on seasonal, rain-fed pans, rather than permanent water bodies, as the likely source of the toxins.
Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI
By — Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer
Strategy
ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy
By — Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate
