Endangered animals poisoned by poachers

Five endangered white rhinos were among a group of over 30 animals, valued at R2-million, fatally poisoned by poachers at a game reserve in Limpopo, police said on Tuesday.

"We suspect a water hole on the reserve was poisoned with temic by poachers," said police spokesperson Superintendent Ronel Otto.

"Animals killed included five white rhinos, two zebras, three blue wildebeest and impalas, 10 nyalas, seven warthogs and numerous birds and baboons. The horn of one of the rhinos was removed."

The dead animals were found next to the water hole at Lumpepe-Nwanedi Nature Reserve by workers on Monday morning, said Otto.

"Officers followed the tracks of the alleged poachers to a neighbouring village, where they disappeared.

"The police is investigating in conjunction with the department of nature conservation."

Police appealed to anybody who might have information on the incident to contact their nearest police station.

Villagers in the area are especially requested to provide information as the poison which was used is extremely dangerous and poses a threat to anybody who might come in contact with it, said Otto.

Source: www.iol.co.za