Botswana: mysterious massacre kills 300 elephants

 Since the beginning of May, elephants have been dying in Botswana, most of them near water points. The cause of these deaths has still not been clarified.

Scientists speak of a "disaster for the preservation of the species": in Botswana, more than 350 elephants died within a few weeks, reports the British newspaper, The Guardian. By the end of May, 169 pachyderms had died. Since then, that figure has doubled. 

Most of the carcasses were found near water sources, according to local sources who wish to remain anonymous. To what are these deaths due? Is there a risk for humans? For now, these questions remain unanswered, particularly because the Botswana government "has not yet analyzed the samples", writes The Guardian. 

Elephants of both sexes and all ages have been found dead. The first possibility is that of cyanide poisoning, a method popular with poachers in Zimbabwe. But the scavengers who devour the remains of the elephants do not seem to succumb in their turn. The other avenue explored by scientists is that of an unknown pathogen.

For Niall McCann, biologist and representative of an animal protection association questioned by the Guardian, the delay in the analyzes of the samples “is representative of a country which is failing in its mission of protecting its resource the more precious ”. Ecotourism, the second source of income behind diamonds, accounts for 10 to 12% of Botswana's GDP.

Carcasses are sometimes difficult to spot, the balance sheet could be in fact heavier than it already is. And several elephants still alive seem emaciated, which raises fears of additional deaths in the coming weeks.