NOVEMBER 2024
2 Cases in November 1 Poaching Cases 1 Elephant Cases
November Report by Dr.
Aminga Duncan
During November, the Meru ecosystem underwent a remarkable transformation following the onset of the rains. The once parched and dusty terrain now flourishes with vibrant green vegetation, covering the landscape in a lush carpet of grass and thriving plant life. Seasonal rivers, which had dried to bare channels during the drought, now flow steadily, their waters shimmering under the sunlight. Permanent rivers, reinvigorated by the rainfall, surge with energy, their rippling currents creating a soothing symphony that resonates through the rejuvenated environment. Patches of woodland and thickets, previously sparse, are now dense and teeming with renewed life, offering shelter and sustenance for various wildlife species.
During this period, there was a notable decline in the number of wildlife cases handled by the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit. The unit attended to a single case involving a necropsy of an elephant carcass sighted in Kora National Park. Postmortem findings revealed that the elephant succumbed to a fatal spear injury, likely resulting from a human-wildlife conflict incident.
Additionally, the veterinary officer participated in a disease surveillance exercise in Wajir, focusing on the prevalence of integumentary diseases in Reticulated giraffes. This exercise was prompted by recent reports of giraffe mortality in the region.
Acknowledgement
The Unit expresses its profound gratitude to Sylvie Chantecaille for her generous financial contributions provided through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Additionally, the team extends its appreciation to Angela Sheldrick, CEO of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, for her steadfast support and dedication to advancing conservation initiatives carried out by the Unit within the Eastern Conservation Area and its neighbouring ecosystems. We also thank the Kenya Wildlife Service, under the leadership of the Senior Assistant Director for the Eastern Conservation Area and the Head of the KWS Veterinary Services Department, for their invaluable managerial oversight and guidance.
Case Details
November 2024
Giraffe Research/Survey
Wajir, North Eastern Kenya
Recent reports have indicated an alarming increase in giraffe mortalities in the Wajir region, an area that serves as a critical habitat for reticulated giraffes. This species, vital to Kenya's biodiversity, faces significant threats, including climate change, poaching, and disease outbreaks. The 2021 National Wildlife Census estimated the population of reticulated giraffes in Kenya at approximately 19,740 individuals, emphasizing their conservation importance. Preliminary observations in Wajir indicated that integumentary diseases might be a contributing factor to these deaths, as carcasses displayed characteristic signs such as crusted, mange-like lesions, including thickened, scaly skin, and extensive hair loss
Findings
The primary integumentary diseases suspected were Dermatophilosis and Sarcoptic Mange. The disease was found to be more common in the drier parts of Wajir County, where minimal food and water availability increased stress and susceptibility among the animals. No sick giraffes or giraffes showing signs of the disease were noted during the investigation. All giraffes observed were in good health.
Diseases of the integumentary system were noted to be common, particularly during the dry season, where drought acts as a contributing factor. These conditions often present with co-morbidities related to nutritional deficiencies.
Discussion
The investigation indicated that the integumentary disease affecting reticulated giraffes in Wajir is seasonal, with outbreaks predominantly occurring during the drier months. These periods coincide with heightened environmental stressors, as food and water resources being scarce.
During the investigation, a decaying carcass of a sub-adult female reticulated giraffe, estimated to be around three years old, was discovered. It was in an advanced stage of autolysis and partly consumed by scavengers. The giraffe displayed signs of severe emaciation, likely due to extreme starvation. Upon post-mortem examination, localized crusted lesions resembling mange were noted on the lips, muzzle, brisket, inguinal and perineal regions, and armpits. Skin scrapings from the lesions were collected for laboratory analysis.
Although reticulated giraffes share habitats with other wild and domestic animals, no integumentary disease symptoms were observed in these sympatric species, making it challenging to determine the precise origin of the outbreak. However, we suspect that heightened livestock-wildlife interactions in the region driven by animals moving in search of forage and water may have facilitated cross-infection.
The observed lesions and the extremely poor body condition of the giraffe carcass suggest that the cause of death was not the integumentary disease itself but severe starvation resulting from the prolonged shortage of adequate food resources.
Conclusion
Addressing the prevalence of integumentary diseases among giraffes in the Wajir area requires a multifaceted approach. The laboratory results will help identify the specific integumentary disease and its causative agent, enabling the development of a more targeted disease management protocol.
Elephant
Human – Wildlife Conflict
Kora National Park
Elephants play a crucial role in maintaining the health and functionality of ecosystems. As ecosystem engineers, they facilitate seed dispersal, create water access points for other species and help maintain savanna and forest habitats through their feeding habits. However, elephants face numerous threats, including habitat loss due to human encroachment, poaching for ivory, and conflicts with local communities.
Postmortem Findings
The body condition was assessed as good (3.5 on a 5-point scale). The area surrounding the carcass showed substantial disruption, suggesting ataxia or incoordination prior to death. A detailed examination of the carcass revealed a deep penetrating wound, approximately 15 inches in depth, on the right flank. This wound is suspected to have been caused by a spear, likely resulting from a human-wildlife conflict. The site of the injury had a stream of clotted blood, indicative of significant haemorrhage. Upon internal examination, it was observed that two ribs were fractured. There was a puncture in the mid-section of the right kidney, which resulted in significant haemorrhaging. Additionally, some portions of the intestines were lacerated but were full of feed indicative the elephant was feeding well before sustaining the grievous injury.
Cause of death
This spear injury compromised vital organs, notably the right kidney, resulting in severe haemorrhage and ultimately causing the animal's death.
