VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe – Dozens of African elephants mysteriously died in northwestern Zimbabwe between August and November 2020, leaving scientists puzzled about the cause of the mass deaths. The outbreak claimed the lives of 35 elephants, with 11 of them dying within a 24-hour period, raising concerns about the future of the species in the region.
A new report authored by scientists finally unraveled the mystery, attributing the deaths to a bacterial infection that caused septicemia, or blood poisoning, in the elephants. The outbreak occurred as a result of dwindling food and water resources during the dry season, forcing the elephants to travel longer distances in search of sustenance.
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, revealed evidence of infection by a little-known bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45, which led to the deaths of the elephants. The extreme conditions, including heat, drought, and population density, in the area were also identified as contributing factors to the outbreak.
Dr. Chris Foggin, a veterinarian at Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and coauthor of the study, emphasized the potential impact of climate change on future mortality events among the African elephant population. However, he cautioned that it is premature to definitively link the mass deaths to climate change, but warned that prolonged droughts and harsher dry seasons could lead to similar events in the future.
The African elephant, listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, faces significant pressure from poaching and habitat loss. The population numbers have dwindled, with continuing losses estimated at 8% annually. The Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, home to about 227,900 elephants, is at the forefront of conservation efforts to ensure the survival of the species.
The study’s findings shed light on the complex interplay of environmental, biological, and ecological factors influencing the health and survival of the African elephant population. The researchers continue to monitor the wildlife in the area for presence of the bacteria, while offering new insights into the challenges facing the conservation of this iconic species.