“It turns out a bacterial infection killed the elephants in Zimbabwe, according to the research based on samples taken from 15 of the animals that died in that country.
An analysis, published October 25 in the journal Nature Communications, showed evidence of infection by a little-known bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45 that caused septicemia, or blood poisoning.
The deaths took place as food and water resources dwindled during the dry season, forcing the elephants to travel increasing distances to look for water and to forage.
Researchers took samples from 15 of the dead elephants.
The authors said that heat, drought and population density in that area were likely contributing factors to the outbreak.”
There are just too many people to be able to give elephants enough room, with good forage and water. Breaks my heart. I just love elephants!
Sad and a bad sign of the future for all animals in a warming world
4 comments
“It turns out a bacterial infection killed the elephants in Zimbabwe, according to the research based on samples taken from 15 of the animals that died in that country.
An analysis, published October 25 in the journal Nature Communications, showed evidence of infection by a little-known bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45 that caused septicemia, or blood poisoning.
The deaths took place as food and water resources dwindled during the dry season, forcing the elephants to travel increasing distances to look for water and to forage.
Researchers took samples from 15 of the dead elephants.
The authors said that heat, drought and population density in that area were likely contributing factors to the outbreak.”
There are just too many people to be able to give elephants enough room, with good forage and water. Breaks my heart. I just love elephants!
Sad and a bad sign of the future for all animals in a warming world
So sad… Poor Ellies