The deaths of elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem have risen to 16, with wildlife authorities now investigating suspected cyanide poisoning as one possible explanation for the growing number of animal deaths.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said one more elephant died between July 24 and July 31, adding to the 15 deaths recorded between June 24 and July 24.
The affected animals were found across the Amboseli-Kimana-Kitenden ecosystem, with most of the cases involving adult female elephants and calves. Some of the animals showed signs of weakness and partial paralysis before their deaths.
KWS said investigations have not so far found evidence of an infectious or transmissible disease, reducing fears that the deaths could spread to other wildlife or affect visitors to the area.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 7, the agency said Amboseli National Park remains open and is operating normally as experts continue working to determine what caused the deaths.
Initial laboratory tests carried out by the University of Nairobi have raised the possibility of cyanide poisoning in the cases examined.
KWS said the results are still preliminary and cannot yet be used to conclusively determine the cause of every death. Additional tests are being conducted to compare the laboratory results with individual cases and establish where and how the elephants may have encountered the suspected toxic substance.
The agency has brought together veterinary and scientific teams to investigate the deaths. Teams from Nairobi, Tsavo and Amboseli were deployed to examine affected animals, carry out post-mortem examinations, collect samples and monitor the wider elephant population.
KWS is working alongside the Government Chemist and the University of Nairobi on a range of tests. The exercise includes toxicological and microbiological examinations, as well as checks on water sources and other possible contaminants within the ecosystem.
Authorities are also investigating the possible involvement of chemicals used in farming and pest control.
KWS said it asked the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) on July 30 to form and lead a multi-agency technical team to establish whether pesticides or other crop-protection products were wrongly used, stored or disposed of in Kimana, Kuku, Kitenden and other parts of the Amboseli ecosystem.
The team will also examine whether contamination of water, soil or forage could have exposed the elephants to harmful substances.
Another area under investigation is giant star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus), a cyanogenic plant species that scientists are assessing to determine whether it could have played a role in the deaths.
KWS said the investigations will continue until there is enough evidence to establish the cause of the deaths and determine the possible source of exposure.
"The Kenya Wildlife Service is committed to establishing the facts and keeping the public informed every step of the way," said KWS Director General Erustus Kanga.
Meanwhile, KWS has stepped up security and monitoring measures across the ecosystem. Ranger patrols, elephant surveillance and veterinary checks have been increased in an effort to identify and respond quickly to any further cases.
The agency is carrying out the work together with local communities and conservation partners as investigations continue.
KWS said the findings available so far do not point to an infectious or transmissible disease among the elephants that have died.
"Working with communities and conservation partners, KWS has intensified elephant surveillance, ranger patrols, and veterinary monitoring across the ecosystem to address any further cases and safeguard our wildlife and visitors. Importantly, findings to date do not indicate an infectious or transmissible disease. KWS therefore reassures the public and tourism sector players that Amboseli National Park remains open and is operating normally."
The wildlife agency said it will release more information as the investigation produces verified findings. It also appealed to people who may have credible information concerning the deaths to share it through its official communication channels to assist investigators.