Over 350 Elephants Mysteriously Died Near Botswana Waterholes – Experts

Between May and July 2020, over 350 elephants in Botswana mysteriously collapsed and died, with the majority found near waterholes contaminated by toxic cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Experts now believe that neurotoxins produced by these bacteria were the leading cause of the tragic deaths.

Cyanobacteria are single-celled organisms that can produce toxins harmful to animals, attacking their nervous system, skin, or liver. These toxins have been previously linked to mass die-offs in fish and birds. Elephants, due to their frequent bathing and large water consumption, may have been particularly vulnerable.

Experts suggest that climate change could have played a role in the toxic algae blooms, as cyanobacteria thrive during heatwaves, outcompeting other forms of algae. However, questions remain unanswered—why were no other species affected, and why did the phenomenon only occur in specific areas?

Further laboratory analysis is required to confirm cyanobacterial toxins as the definitive cause of death. Botswana’s elephant population, the largest in Africa at around 130,000, continues to be monitored as scientists deepen their investigation.