Unveiling the elephant mystery: UK scientists near breakthrough
Scientists from the United Kingdom are close to solving the mystery of the mass death of 350 elephants in Botswana in 2020. Satellite data analysis suggests toxins from cyanobacteria and climate change as possible causes, reports Technology Networks.
In 2020, the bodies of 350 dead elephants were found in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Initially, poaching was ruled out, but the cause of their death remained a mystery. According to tvn24.pl, scientists from the Royal College in London analysed satellite data to investigate the waterholes frequented by the animals.
They died over a very narrow window. That’s one of the most enigmatic parts of the whole puzzle. That many animals dying quite close together but not right next to each other over such a narrow space of time. It’s really to my mind, rather unique, certainly in this part of the world - CNN quotes Dr. Chris Foggin, a veterinarian from Zimbabwe.
The analysis showed that in 2020, 20 waterholes near the locations where elephant bodies were found experienced increased cyanobacteria blooms. These waterholes had the highest average cyanobacteria biomass from 2015 to 2023. Scientists noted that after drinking water from these places, elephants travelled an average of 16 kilometres and died within 88 hours.
Climate change may have contributed to this phenomenon. In 2019, a drought caused water sediments to dry up, and in 2020, rains released nutrients that encouraged the growth of cyanobacteria. Davide Lomeo from the Royal College emphasises that further research is vital for protecting elephants in Botswana.
Southern Africa is projected to become drier and hotter under climate changes, and as a result waterholes across this region will likely be drier for more months of the year. Our findings point to the potential negative effects on water quantity and quality, and the catastrophic repercussions on animals, this could have - King's College London quotes Lomeo.
Botswana is a country located in southern Africa, inhabited by about 2 million people. About 70% of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert. It is also the country with the largest number of elephants. The population in Chobe National Park is estimated to be at least 120,000. No other country in Africa has so many animals.
