Floppy trunk syndrome

Floppy trunk syndrome (abbreviated FTS, also known as flaccid trunk paralysis) is a condition that causes trunk paralysis in elephants. The paralysis is caused by degeneration of peripheral nerves, which begins at the base of the trunk.[1] FTS has been observed in the northwest of Zimbabwe,[1] the Satara area of Kruger National Park, and Forthergill in Lake Kariba. The condition interferes with the elephant's ability to drink and feed.[2] Research is being conducted to ascertain the cause of the illness. It is suspected to be a toxin from the plant genera Boerhavia or Indigofera.[3] Heliptrompium ovalifolium, a plant native to Nigeria, is speculated to be the cause.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b Cole, Mary (14 November 1992). "Lead in lake blamed for floppy trunks". NewScientist. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg13618470.700-lead-in-lake-blamed-for-floppy-trunks-.html. Retrieved 2009-06-25. 
  2. ^ Mendelsohn, Jennifer (9 June 1999). "Touched by a Tabloid". Slate. http://www.slate.com/id/30038/. Retrieved 2009-06-25. 
  3. ^ Fowler, Murray; Mikota, Susan (September 2006). Murray E. Fowler, Susan K. Mikota. ed. Biology, Medicine, and Surgery of Elephants. Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated. pp. 441. ISBN 9780813806761. http://books.google.com/books?id=oCpiZA61tyQC&lpg=RA1-PA441&ots=2IHdN9o39h&dq=floppy%20trunk%20syndrome&pg=RA1-PA441. 
  4. ^ Schmelzer, G. H. Medicinal plants. Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. pp. 323. ISBN 9057822040. http://books.google.com/books?id=7FJqgQ3_tnUC&lpg=PT323&ots=QsLAtHX5J3&dq=floppy%20trunk%20syndrome&pg=PT323#v=onepage&q=&f=false. Retrieved 12 November 2009. 

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