Fifteen elephants have died in southern Kenya over the past month. Authorities believe the animals ingested cyanide from pesticides used on nearby tomato farms. The Kenya Wildlife Service confirmed that tests on samples collected from the carcasses found traces of this toxic chemical. Cyanide is commonly used in farming to control pests, though it has also been used by poachers.
The deaths occurred in the Kimana sanctuary and Kuku Group ranch areas around Amboseli National Park. This region covers approximately 392 square kilometers and is home to more than 1,600 elephants. Ten of the elephants showed signs of partial paralysis before dying. The head of veterinary services said one elephant's stomach contents included many tomatoes.
Tomato farmers in Kimana use cyanide-based chemicals to protect their crops. Officials warn that other animals, including goats and cattle, could also be affected. Conservation groups described the deaths as deeply alarming. They stressed the importance of protecting elephants, which are vital for ecosystem health.
Sources: theguardian.com
The words in bold are from the article.
| 1. ingested | a. indicators |
| 2. pesticides | b. environment |
| 3. traces | c. small amounts |
| 4. control | d. chemicals |
| 5. occurred | e. safeguarding |
| 6. approximately | f. essential |
| 7. signs | g. swallowed |
| 8. vital | h. manage |
| 9. protecting | i. about |
| 10. ecosystem | j. happened |
1.g 2.d 3.c 4.h 5.j 6.i 7.a 8.f 9.e 10.b