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Bacteria found in the water are believed to have killed more than 300 elephants in Botswana.
Scientists fear that toxins produced by tiny organisms in water and soil may be occurring more frequently due to climate change that raises temperatures.
Dead elephants were found in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
However, they admit that there are still “many questions” that need to be answered because other animals in the same areas as the elephants appear to have escaped unscathed.
In July, 281 elephants were revealed to have mysteriously died in the Okavango Delta. Botswana – but that number has now risen to 330.
It comes as investigations into the deaths of 25 elephants continue in Zimbabwe they are also believed to have died from bacterial infections.
Veterinarian Mmadi Reuben from the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks said: “Our latest tests have found that cyanobacterial neurotoxins are the cause of deaths. These are bacteria found in water.
“However, we still have a lot of questions to answer, like why only elephants and why only that area? We have a number of hypotheses that we are investigating.”
Some cyanobacterial blooms are the most powerful natural poisons known and pose serious health risks to people and animals.
Scientists are increasingly concerned about its potential impact as climate change leads to warmer water temperatures, allowing most cyanobacteria to form.
Patricia Glibert, a professor at the Center for Environmental Sciences at the University of Maryland, has studied cyanobacteria and said, “It’s about having the right conditions, at the right time, in the right place, and these species will proliferate.”
Climate change could increase the risk of water infections for animals, including elephants
“These conditions are coming together more often, in more places, so we are seeing more of these toxic blooms around the world.”
In neighboring Zimbabwe, the carcasses of about 25 elephants were found near water sources.
The animals still had their tusks, ruling out poaching and deliberate poisoning. The elephants are believed to have ingested the bacteria while searching for food.
Africa’s elephant population is declining due to poaching, but Botswana has seen their numbers grow to around 130,000.
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