Mysterious elephant deaths in Kenya raise questions around pesticides
A wave of Kenyan elephant deaths has been blamed on pesticides, but experts tell the BBC they are doubtful.
Recent deaths of 15 elephants in Kenya have sparked concerns about pesticides used on nearby tomato farms. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) found traces of cyanide in the elephants' stomachs, suggesting poisoning. However, some conservationists and farmers remain skeptical. Farmers in the Kimana area, where the tomato farms are located, have never experienced such incidents.
While cyanide traces were found, their team cannot rule out intentional poisoning at this stage. The issue may stem from the use of illegal agrochemicals, with Kenya's border enforcement being lax. Experts question the initial findings, suggesting elephant behavior and the rarity of such cases as factors that make the pesticide theory inconclusive. Human-wildlife conflict has been an ongoing issue in Kenyan communities near conservation areas.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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