Warmer temperatures and decreased rainfall increase stress on elephants over 40 by reducing the amount of food available and spurring migration, according to a study based on 50 years of data in the Greater Virunga region of East Africa. . The risks add to the threat of poaching and increased conflict with humans as their habitats decline.
The death of older elephants, which can live into their 60s and 70s, reduces the number of breeding animals and weakens the genetic base of herds, authors including Simon Nampindo of the Wildlife Conservation Society said in the study. These deaths also deprive younger pachyderms of the guidance of older, wiser animals, leading them to erratic behavior.
“Climate change will affect the quality and conditions of suitable habitat for elephants,” Nampindo said in response to a question. This will decrease “the food resources available to elephants, pushing them to travel longer distances in search of food and water,” she added.
The study is applicable across Africa, where approximately 415,000 animals live. According to Timothy Randhir of the University of Massachusetts, who worked on the study, Botswana and Zimbabwe boast the largest populations in the world.
Late last year, drought linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon forced a large migration of wildlife from Zimbabwe’s largest national park. Nearly 200 elephants have died due to water shortages due to high temperatures, the national wildlife authority said. El Nino has caused drier weather in southern Africa.