BOTSWANA yesterday said initial tests to ascertain the cause of death of hundreds of elephants in the famed Okavango Delta have been inconclusive, but do not eliminate poisoning.

The landlocked southern African country has the world’s largest elephant population, estimated at 130,000. Around 300 of them have been found dead since March.

The Environmental Resources Ministry said the tests showed no presence of the pesticides usually involved in poisoning.

“The results received so far do not eliminate poisoning, therefore, environmental factors, including naturally occurring toxins, are still being investigated.”

Authorities have ruled out poaching, as the creatures’ tusks were found intact.

The government has established that 281 elephants died, although independent conservationists said more than 350 perished.

The deaths were first flagged by wildlife conservation charity Elephants Without Borders (EWB), whose confidential report referring to 356 dead elephants was leaked to the media early last month.

Several live elephants appeared weak, lethargic and emaciated, with some showing signs of disorientation, difficulty walking or limping, said EWB.

Tests are being conducted at specialist labs in South Africa, Canada, Zimbabwe and the US. – AFP, August 8, 2020.