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An investigation has been completed on the mass extinction of elephants in Botswana. According to the results, more than 300 animals died from cyanobacterial toxins in the water, writes MTI.
Cyanobacteria are microscopic-sized organisms found in water and occasionally in soil. Not all produce toxins, but researchers say toxic organisms are becoming more common as a result of global warming. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), temperatures in South Africa are rising twice as fast as the world average.
Cyril Taolo, the number of dead animals rose to 330, according to the deputy director of the Botswana Ministry of Wildlife and National Parks.
Recent tests have shown that cyanobacterial neurotoxins are the cause of death in individuals. These bacteria are found in water.
– He said Mmadi reuben, Chief Veterinarian of the Ministry.
The experts underwent special analyzes of samples taken from corpses, blood, soil and intermittent water, in which cyanobacteria were identified. According to Reuben, the cyanobacteria that live in the Okavango Delta can produce deadly toxins and the dead animals showed signs of collapse of their nervous systems. However, there are many questions to be answered, such as why only elephants died and why only in that area. It is conceivable that other animals also drank from the waters that hid the bacteria, but they were unaffected as the elephants drank with their noses from the deeper layers where the bacteria also live.
The growth of cyanobacteria can be harmful to both humans and animals. Climate change is benefiting many bacteria as the water temperature rises, which worries the researchers.
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