Rhino poachers interrupted after killing

2013-01-08 07:26

Rhino horn has escalated in value. (File, AFP)

Mahikeng - The carcass of the second rhino killed in 2013 was found in the Madikwe Game Reserve on Monday evening, the North West environmental affairs department said.

"Rangers in the park heard shots and there was a cross-fire at about 7.45pm [19:45]," spokesperson Dumisa Seshabela said.

"The horn was not removed. It is suspected that the poachers were disturbed."

More information was not immediately available.

The carcass of the first rhino killed in 2013 was found in the reserve on Saturday evening, Seshabela said.

"It was confirmed as rhino poaching on Sunday. Both the horns of the bull were removed. The cause of death was a shot near the front of his neck." No arrests had been made.

On 19 December, the national environmental affairs department said a total of 633 rhinos were killed for their horns in SA in 2012.

The Kruger National Park lost 395 rhinos to poaching. The North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo continued to be the hardest hit by poachers, collectively accounting for the loss of 197 rhinos.

In 2011, 252 rhinos were killed for their horns in Kruger National Park. In Limpopo 74 were poached, 21 in the North West, and 34 in KwaZulu-Natal.

- SAPA