Rhino poachers take aim at Kruger Park

2012-04-13 22:28

Johannesburg - A total of 171 rhinos have been poached between January and April this year, the environmental affairs department said on Friday.

"According to statistics, rhino poachers are targeting the Kruger National Park, where 103 rhinos have been killed," department spokesman Albi Modise said in a statement.

Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and North West were also a prime focus for poachers, with a total of 58 rhinos killed in the three provinces.

Modise said 23 rhinos were killed in Limpopo, 18 in KwaZulu-Natal and 17 in North West. Another 10 rhinos were killed elsewhere in the country.

"The department wishes to once again urge South Africans to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs that could lead to arrests and the prevention of illegal killing, to 0800-205-005," he said.

Last year 448 rhinos were killed, and 333 in 2010.

- SAPA