Cause of elephant death in Botswana remains a mystery
It is still unclear what caused the mysterious mass death of elephants in Botswana. In recent weeks at least 281 dead elephants have been counted in the Okavango Delta in the northwest of the country. In fact, other reports from animal protection activists even speak of more than 350 carcasses.
According to the authorities, pesticides can be excluded as a cause. The Ministry of Environment reports that nine pesticides and agrochemicals were tested, and all turned negative.
However, poisoning of the animals, also by naturally occurring poisons, can still not be excluded. In any case, the elephants were not killed by poachers, because the animals were found with intact tusks.
The organization “Future for Elephants” announced today that further testing with samples of fresh carcasses from the surrounding area is needed to get clarity.
Botswana in southern Africa has so far had an excellent reputation for nature and animal protection but caused outrage last year with the lifting of the ban on elephant hunting.
