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An international study led by the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Professor Rudi van Aarde suggests that the mass die-off of 350 elephants in one area of northern Botswana last year could be attributed to the fencing-in of these animals.
Prof van Aarde, Emeritus Professor of Zoology and Chair of Conservation Ecology at UP’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, said while the causes of the deaths are “still unknown and will never be known,” the fencing-in of these elephants in one area, and their relatively high densities, probably explain why the die-off occurred.
The study, published in PeerJ – Life and Environment , suggests a “re-alignment or removal of fences that restrict elephant movements and limits year-round access to freshwater” is needed.
scientists believe fences are behind the deaths of elephants in Botswana
26 January 2021
(Cape Town, South Africa – January 21, 2021)
Scientists say the mass death of at least 350 elephants in Botswana last year was likely due to a network of fences preventing their ability to roam freely.
Research published in PeerJ – Life and Environment says while the causes of the deaths are still unknown – and will never be known” the confinement of large numbers of elephants to an area of the Okavango Pan Handle, in northern Botswana, creates a dependence on artificial water sources like pans.
The study suggests “re-alignment of removal of fences that restrict elephant movement and limits year round access to freshwater,” is needed.
scientists believe fences are behind the deaths of elephants in Botswana
January 26, 2021
(Cape Town, South Africa – January 21, 2021)
Scientists say the mass death of at least 350 elephants in Botswana last year was likely due to a network of fences preventing their ability to roam freely.
Research published in PeerJ – Life and Environment says while the causes of the deaths are still unknown – and will never be known” the confinement of large numbers of elephants to an area of the Okavango Pan Handle, in northern Botswana, creates a dependence on artificial water sources like pans.
The study suggests “re-alignment of removal of fences that restrict elephant movement and limits year round access to freshwater,” is needed.