“The latest rhino poaching statistics indicate that a total of 381 rhinos have been killed since the beginning of this year,” the department of environmental affairs said.

 

With roughly 20,000 rhinos, South Africa is home to up to 80 percent of the world population.

But the country has seen a devastating increase in poaching in recent years as black market demand for rhino horn has grown with numbers leaping from just 13 in 2007 to 333 in 2010.

Heightened security measures have failed to stop the criminal syndicates that officials say are responsible for the killing.