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In recent months, 330 dead animals have been found in the Okavango Delta.
Botswana authorities have identified cyanobacteria as the probable cause of the massive death of elephants in the country. Laboratory tests with blood samples from dead animals and soil and water samples have shown that these toxic microorganisms killed the animals in the Okavango Delta, in the northwest of the country. Mamadi Reuben, the chief veterinarian for the wildlife park authority, announced this information on Monday.
Some types of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are life-threatening toxins. This can have consequences for animals when they drink water, for example if the microbes there multiply on a large scale with the growth of algae.
330 elephants killed
In recent months, a total of 330 dead elephants have been found in the Okavango Delta, said Cyril Taolo of the wildlife park authority. Poaching was ruled out from the start as a cause of death, as the corpses were found with their fangs intact. It is not yet clear why apparently no other species are affected, Reuben said.
The Okavango Delta is famous throughout the world for its spectacular landscapes and rich wildlife. Botswana, in southern Africa, has so far had a good reputation on the continent for nature and animal welfare. Last year, however, the country sparked outrage over the lifting of the elephant hunting ban. Recently, at least 22 elephants were found dead in neighboring Zimbabwe. There the cause of death has not yet been clarified.
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