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Rhino poaching in South Africa reaches record levels

Rhino poaching in South Africa reaches record levels

 

dead rhino
 
A dead rhino is dehorned by a researcher in Zimbabwe.
 

Figures from the South African government indicate that poaching for rhinoceros has increased substantially in the last year.

A record 668 rhinos were killed for their horns in 2012, up almost 50% on the number for 2011. The majority of the animals were killed in the Kruger national park, the country's biggest wildlife reserve.

 

“Rhinos are being illegally killed...all for the frivolous use of their horns as a hangover cure” Sabri Zain TRAFFIC  

Experts say that growing demand for rhino horn in Asia is driving the slaughter.