VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe – A new study conducted by international organizations has identified a potential link between the deaths of 35 African elephants in Zimbabwe and a dangerous bacterium associated with deadly septicaemia. The discovery raises concerns about the growing threats faced by African elephants, already an endangered species, and emphasizes the need for further research to ensure their survival.
The investigation into the unexplained deaths of the elephants was carried out by scientists from the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, the Animal and Plant Health Agency UK, the University of Surrey, and laboratories in South Africa. The mysterious deaths mostly occurred between August and September 2020, in a 40 x 25 km radius of North-Western Zimbabwe. This incident followed the death of approximately 350 elephants in neighboring northern Botswana from May to June 2020, which sparked international concern.
African savanna elephants are an endangered species, with only 350,000 remaining in the wild and ongoing losses estimated at eight percent annually. The identification of a bacterium linked to severe septicemia in six elephants is particularly alarming, as it adds infectious diseases to the list of challenges facing these majestic animals.
The discovery of the bacteria, provisionally named Bisgaard taxon 45, is a significant step forward in understanding the cause of the elephant deaths. This unclassified member of the Pasteurellaceae bacterial family has never before been associated with bacterial septicaemia and adds to the growing list of disease-related threats to elephant conservation. Further research is crucial to determine the long-term implications for the African elephant population and other wildlife.
The potential link between the bacterium and the deaths of the elephants underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to protect this iconic species and highlights the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and addressing the various threats they face.
In conclusion, the study’s findings serve as a wake-up call to the conservation community, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard the future of African elephants. The identification of Bisgaard taxon 45 in the elephant deaths highlights the complex challenges posed by infectious diseases and emphasizes the critical role of continued research in ensuring the survival of this endangered species.