Botswana is investigating an increasing number of unexplained deaths of elephants, having confirmed 275 had died, up from 154 two weeks ago, the government said on Thursday. The dead elephants were first found months ago in the Okavango Panhandle region, and the authorities say they have since been trying to determine the cause. Poaching has been ruled out as the cause of death, as the carcasses were found intact, Reuters reported.
In a report prepared for the government and seen by Reuters, Elephants Without Borders (EWB), a conservation organisation, said that its aerial surveys showed that elephants of all ages appeared to be dying. The group counted 169 dead elephants on May 25, and another 187 on June 14, according to the report.
“Several live elephants that we observed appeared to be weak, lethargic and emaciated. Some elephants appeared disorientated, had difficulty walking, showed signs of partial paralysis or a limp,” the report said.
“One elephant was observed walking in circles, unable to change direction although being encouraged by other herd members.”
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