Investigate mysterious deaths of elephants

Botswana continues to record mysterious deaths of hundreds of elephants in the Okavango Panhandle. According to a confidential report dated June 19, 2020 compiled by Dr Mike Chase of the Elephants Without Borders (EWB) a total of 356 dead elephants have been observed in the Okavango Panhandle.

The reason for these elephant mortalities is yet unknown. Botswana is home to an estimated 130, 000 elephants which is considered the largest concentration in Africa.

“Consistent with our previous observations, 70% of elephant carcasses were considered recent, having died about a month ago, and 30% of the carcasses appeared fresh, ranging from one day to two weeks old. There was good evidence to show elephants of all ages and sex appear to be dying,” Chase said. He added that elephant carcasses also occurred along trails and died in a sternal position on their chest, suggesting a fast and sudden death.

The scale and pattern of the elephant mortality occurring in the Okavango Panhandle needs further scientific investigation… Similar elephants deaths have not been recorded in Namibia, who have been informed of this incident.

Several live elephants that EWB observed appeared to be weak, lethargic and emaciated and some elephants appeared disoriented, had difficulty walking, showed sings of partial paralysis or a limp in their legs.

One elephant was observed walking in circles, unable to change direction although being encouraged by other herd members. Although Chase’s team expected to see more vultures, those observed on fresh carcasses showed no signs of concerning abnormal behaviour.

Based upon satellite telemetry data from a collared elephant that died on April 12, 2020, EWB suspect elephants have been dying in the area for about three months.

Personal observations of elephants near waterholes suggest more elephants could die from this mysterious ailment, EWB observed.

These mysterious deaths of elephants have been going on for about three months. In March the Ministry of Environment, National Resources Conservation and Tourism disclosed that Botswana recorded 44 mysterious deaths of elephants.

We are afraid it is taking long for the government get definitive results. Our feeling so far has been that the government is taking way too long to determine the cause which makes it seem they are either uncaring about this or in favour of it even.