In Kenya, the deaths of 15 elephants in Amboseli National Park, suspected from cyanide poisoning, are under investigation, but local farmers deny involvement. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
In January, in Kajiado County, Kenya, cases of elephant deaths were recorded, suspected to have eaten tomatoes on farms near Amboseli National Park. One of the dead elephants lies on a dusty road, another was almost completely eaten by scavengers, leaving only the skull.
The investigation is ongoing to determine how cyanide entered this ecosystem where wild and domestic animals coexist, and farmers grow tomatoes and onions.
Amboseli National Park is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Africa, home to thousands of elephants. This incident has caused outrage among local environmentalists and international conservationists.
Farmers claim their innocence and deny the use of cyanide. In their opinion, the elephant deaths could have been caused by other reasons. However, investigators have not yet made final conclusions.
As reported by Associated Press, this case is another example of the conflict between wildlife and agriculture in Kenya. Elephants often enter farms and damage crops, and farmers use various methods to protect their produce.
Currently, the investigation continues, and local authorities promise to provide full information about the elephant deaths. This incident has once again drawn attention to wildlife conservation issues in Kenya.