Conservationist Iain Douglas-Hamilton stands near the body of an elephant, found in August 2009 and likely a victim of Kenya's worst drought in more than a decade. More than 60 African elephants and hundreds of other animals have died so far, wildlife officials said in September 2009, and experts fear that the drought could start killing animals at worrisome rates. Photograph by Lisa Hoffner

By Nick Wadhams in Nairobi, for National Geographic News, September 21, 2009 This story is part of a special series that explores the global water crisis. For more clean water news, photos, and information, visit National Geographic’s Freshwater Web site. More than sixty African elephants and hundreds of other animals have died so far in Kenya amid the worst drought to hit the country in over a decade, conservationists announced. (See pictures of the drought’s recent toll, and watch video of the drought’s impact on elephants.) So-called “long rains” that usually fall in March and April failed this year, and some areas have now been in drought conditions for almost three years. No one knows why the drought has been so bad. Many attribute it to global warming, but others say it is simply part of the long-term weather cycle in East Africa. Since January at least 38 dead elephants have been found in the area around the Laikipia highlands and Samburu National Reserve, officials said. (See pictures of Samburu’s elephants.) In addition 30 baby elephants have been reported dead so far this year in Amboseli National Park, farther south Some of the animals died of thirst, while others starved due to lack of vegetation or succumbed to diseases or infections due to weakened immune systems, according to wildlife officials Many of Kenya’s other iconic species—including lions, crocodiles, zebra, and wildebeests—are also suffering in drought conditions and could start dying at worrisome rates, wildlife officials say. “The elephants are very smart animals,” said Iain Douglas-Hamilton, founder of the Nairobi-based nonprofit Save The Elephants. “But I think they are going to die in large numbers, and that goes for the other grazers and browsers, too. …

Elephants, Other Iconic Animals Dying in Kenya Drought