Hwange, Zimbabwe – Dozens of African elephants mysteriously died in the Hwange region of northwestern Zimbabwe between August and November 2020, leaving experts puzzled over the cause of the sudden deaths. The mysterious mass deaths prompted a team of scientists to investigate and unravel the cause behind the tragic elephant fatalities.
A report authored by the scientists revealed that a bacterial infection was responsible for the deaths of the thirty-five African elephants. The elephants succumbed to septicemia, or blood poisoning, caused by a little-known bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45. The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, indicated that the deaths occurred as food and water resources dwindled during the dry season, forcing the elephants to travel long distances in search of essentials.
According to Dr. Chris Foggin, a veterinarian at Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and coauthor of the study, the extreme climate conditions in the region, including heat, drought, and population density, likely contributed to the outbreak. The scientists also raised concerns about the potential impact of the ongoing climate crisis, warning that more frequent and prolonged droughts or changes in rainfall patterns could lead to similar mortality events in the future.
The African elephant population, listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, has faced significant pressure from poaching and habitat loss. The study revealed a decline in population numbers and ongoing losses estimated at 8% every year, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these majestic creatures and their natural habitats.
The researchers emphasized the necessity of monitoring wildlife for the presence of the bacteria to prevent further elephant deaths caused by Bisgaard taxon 45. The study concluded that no evidence of tusks removed from poaching or external signs of trauma was observed, and tests for anthrax and viral infections were negative. The tragic deaths of the African elephants serve as a poignant reminder of the continued threats facing these iconic animals and the critical importance of conservation efforts to safeguard their future.