Pretoria - The latest rhino poaching statistics indicate that a total of 588 rhinos have been lost to poaching since the beginning of this year, with the total number of arrests at 246.
The Department of Environmental Affairs says the Kruger National Park has lost 362 rhinos to poaching.
The North West, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces continue to be a target for poachers, collectively accounting for the loss of 186 rhinos.
According to the department, 333 were poached in 2010 and this increased to 588 this year.
Of the 246 arrested individuals, 217 were at the level of poacher, 18 were couriers and 11 receivers.
Authorities urged members of the public to report incidents of rhino poaching or any tip-offs that could lead to arrests and prevention of illegal killings to 0800 205 005. -SAnews.gov.za
