Ethiopia: Chemicals Used in Gold Mining Reportedly Killing Endemic Birds and Other Wildlife in Borena

Residents in Arsite, Oromia Region, reported deaths of birds and other wildlife due to chemicals used in informal gold mining activities. The chemicals are contaminating water sources and habitats, particularly threatening the endemic species Stresemann's bushcrow, classified as Endangered. Authorities have detained three individuals connected to these mining activities, which are being carried out manually by local pastoralists.