A suspected poacher was found dead in Kruger National Park in South Africa on Thursday.
It was park rangers who found the body, and a statement from the park’s rangers on Twitter reveals what is believed to be the cause of the death.
– After initial investigations, it is suspected that the deceased person was killed by an elephant, and left behind by his accomplices, it is stated in the statement, which is reproduced by ABC News.
According to the statement, no killed animals have been found in the area.
Hit hard
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve, covering an area of almost 20,000 square kilometers.
Following the death on Thursday, park officials have also taken the opportunity to warn that it is dangerous to hunt illegally.
– Criminals risk losing their lives and freedom, the officials write in the warning.
According to the news agency AFP, which has also covered the incident, the national park has been hit hard by poachers, especially in search of rhinos.
HORRIBLE VISION: Rhinos killed by poachers are not uncommon to see in Kruger National Park. Using metal detectors and other equipment, among other things, the police and park rangers try to find out who shot the animals. Photo: Gallo Images / REX / NTB
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In February, it was reported that the rhino population had fallen by 70 percent over the past decade. Just under 4,000 rhinos now live in the national park.
Rhino horn is used in traditional Chinese medicine and is especially prevalent in Asian countries, where it is believed that it can cure everything from hangovers to cancer. Increasingly, it is also used as a status symbol of success and wealth, according to the interest group Save the Rhino.
