Kobus Hoffman, [02 Sep 2023 at 09:11:26]: Good day all, we have experienced a number of giraffe deaths in the last 2 weeks in the Zimbabwe lowveld. The area is 22000 ha, with an estimate of +-500 giraffe. Rainfall was ok, however the rainy season stopped very early this year. Main browsing plants are Acacia tortillis (umbrella thorn), Mopane, other acacias to lesser extent, Grewia sp., Tambotie, Combretum sp, Commiphora sp, Dichrostachys sp. My original thoughts were either tannin build up or prussic acid poisoning, but for this to happen you actually need some leaf material on the acacias etc. PM photos to follow. I suspect now more a lack of available browse and therefore malnutrition (protein-energy malnutrition) with the little leaf material available, possibly having increased tannins which is worsening the situation. Other species carcasses found include kudu and 1 warthog. The overall body condition of the giraffe are poor (1-2/5) with scapular, neck vertebrae and hip bones visible on many giraffe. Please have a look at post mortem photos and provide some outsider insight. Much appreciated Proteinaceous fluid and froth in trachea – I suspect this could be due to being recumbent and aspiration prior to death..? Serous atrophy of BM, renal and peri-renal/abdominal fat, coronary fat Pericardial effusion - hypoalbuminaemia? Rumen content of all PM giraffe looks like this, very little leaf material, watery fine contents Some of the mopane’s bark has been stripped like this… Sybrandt van Sittert, [02 Sep 2023 at 09:27:46]: Hi Kobus. What are the age groups/ sexes affected? Prof Graham Mitchell did a retrospective investigation a few years ago in Zim and found specific age groups to be affected in a drought; with juveniles and largest males affected most severely. Kobus Hoffman, [02 Sep 2023 at 09:32:48]: Hi Brand very few juveniles found to date, only 2 of the 33 carcasses. With about equal numbers of males vs females. Jacques ODell, [02 Sep 2023 at 20:41:59]: Hi Kobus. I agree with you, the cachexia is most likely due to a lack of available browse. Are your lions capitalising on this? Kobus Hoffman, [02 Sep 2023 at 20:53:03]: Hi Jacques, it's on a subsection of the conservancy without lion, however sure the spotted hyena are.
