Tag

African Elephants

All articles tagged with #african elephants

wildlife-conservation2 years ago•2 min saved

"Zimbabwe's Elephant Deaths: The Mystery Unraveled"

The mystery behind the deaths of 35 African elephants in Zimbabwe has been solved. After ruling out poaching, starvation, and anthrax, researchers discovered a Pasteurella bacterium resembling Bisgaard taxon 45, which is known to cause infections in other wildlife but not African elephants. The elephants showed signs of hemorrhagic septicaemia, or blood poisoning, with ruptured blood vessels in multiple organs. The source of the infection and route of transmission remain unknown, but the researchers speculate that heat and drought conditions may have triggered the bacteria to become infectious or spread between elephants. This finding provides important insights for wildlife veterinarians and conservationists in diagnosing and addressing sudden mortality events in elephants.

via ScienceAlert|

#african-elephants #hemorrhagic-septicaemia #pasteurella-bacterium

environment2 years ago•4 min saved

Scientists Unravel Mystery of African Elephants' Mass Deaths: Climate Change Identified as Cause

Scientists have identified a bacterial infection called Bisgaard taxon 45 as the cause of mysterious mass deaths of African elephants in Zimbabwe. The deaths occurred during a period of dwindling food and water resources, exacerbated by heat, drought, and population density. The study suggests that the ongoing climate crisis could increase the likelihood of such mortality events in the future. The African elephant population has been declining due to poaching and habitat loss, and these recent deaths further threaten their survival.

via CNN|

#african-elephants #bacterial-infection #climate-crisis

conservation2 years ago•1 min saved

The Controversial Rescue: Saving Elephants in Zambia

A detailed report by the New York Times investigates the actions of Delia Owens and her ex-husband Mark Owens, who claim to have worked to save African elephants from poachers in Zambia. However, locals, including a former poacher, have conflicting stories about their methods. While the couple provided alternative jobs and support to villagers, allegations of intimidation and violence have been made, including firing at a former poacher from a helicopter and suspending him near crocodiles. Delia Owens denies these claims and emphasizes their efforts to help Zambians find alternative livelihoods. The report explores the complex dynamics between conservationists and indigenous communities.

via Newser|

#african-elephants #conservation #delia-owens

archaeology2 years ago•4 min saved

Ancient African Elephant Ivory Rings Found in Elite Anglo-Saxon Burials

Enigmatic ivory rings found in Anglo-Saxon burials in England have been identified as originating from African elephants living about 4,000 miles away, suggesting a trading network that spanned from eastern Africa to post-Roman Europe. The rings, too large to fit a finger, were likely used to hold open cloth bags tied to the waist. The discovery sheds light on the extensive and complex trading networks of the fifth to seventh centuries and provides insight into the status and cultural practices of wealthy Anglo-Saxon women.

via Livescience.com|

#african-elephants #anglo-saxon #archaeological-findings

biology2 years ago•2 min saved

The Self-Domestication of Wild African Elephants: Insights into Complex Emotions.

A study by biologists and linguists from various universities suggests that wild African elephants may have self-domesticated, similar to humans and bonobos. The researchers compared 20 characteristics of self-domestication between the three species and found many similarities, including increased playfulness, social behavior, and shorter jaws. They also identified 79 genes associated with domestication in the genomes of wild African elephants, indicating that they have self-domesticated over time. The study suggests that other species may have also self-domesticated.

via Phys.org|

#african-elephants #biology #bonobos