A shocking 60,000 endangered antelope deaths reported in Kazakhstan

The cause of death remains a mystery

A devastating number of 60,000 recorded deaths of the critically endangered Saiga antelopes were recorded in Kazakhstan. Scientists are unsure of the reason behind the rapid deaths.

MUNTINLUPA CITY, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Scientists are still looking for clues for the deaths of 60,000 Saiga Antelopes in Kazakhstan. 
The endangered species is nearing its extinction, making the mysterious deaths even more alarming.

According to Nature, in a very short period of time half the Saiga antelope population in Kazakhstan -about 134,000- have died. 
The unexplained deaths still remain a mystery, though scientists have gathered a few clues.
Wildlife veterinarian with the Royal Veterinary College, Dr. Richard Kock, explained, "I have worked in veterinary diseases all my career and I have never seen a 100% mortality. We had a herd of 60,000 aggregated and they all died. That is extraordinary."
The unheard of number of deaths in the antelope population was explained to be "almost a personal loss to all those who work in researching and protecting this steppe species," the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan stated. The group has already launched an investigation on the possible reason behind the deaths.
In a Tweet by @E_VanEvery, a herd of 60,000 Saiga antelopes were wiped out in a span of only four days due to a specific bacteria. A depressing view of the green plain featured the tan carcasses of dead Saiga antelopes.

Scientists have already taken samples from the animals as well as their habitat to analyze. They hope the samples will lead them to an explanation behind the alarming deaths. 
Geologist Steffen Zuther -from the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative- reported the toxins associated with Pateurella and possible Clostridia bacteria were discovered in the samples from the animals, which caused the Saiga antelope's organs to bleed. 
Even with Suther's explanation, scientists argue the bacteria is common and is not usually harmful. They continue to seek an explain for the unexpected and devastating blow to the already endangered herds. 

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