Scientists discover why 350 elephants died in 2020 in Botswana.
In 2020, 350 elephants died in Botswana’s national park. This alarmed scientists around the world. After several years of research, they finally found the cause of this tragedy. They believe these elephants were poisoned by toxic algae that had invaded the waterholes where the animals drank. These algae, called « blue-green algae, » form in stagnant water and can make the water dangerous for animals that drink it.
Researchers used satellites to track the movements of the elephants and observe where they had gone to drink. They discovered that the elephants had likely approached waterholes contaminated by these algae. In 2019, a drought had reduced the amount of water, and in 2020, heavy rains caused the algae to grow rapidly. This endangered not only the elephants but also other animals.
Why are toxic algae a problem?
Toxic algae are an increasing threat worldwide, as climate change is making weather more extreme. This can create perfect conditions for the algae to form. They block sunlight and poison the water, which is dangerous for all animals. In Botswana, where one-third of Africa’s elephants live, this situation greatly concerns scientists.
Researchers say that global warming could make water areas even drier and hotter. This could have dramatic consequences for wildlife, as water would become increasingly scarce and of poor quality.
What can be done about this danger?
Scientists are calling for close monitoring of water quality. With satellites, they can quickly detect areas where harmful algae are forming. This would allow for quicker action to protect animals. By analyzing satellite data, they hope to better understand the impact of these algae and find solutions to prevent future disasters.
