In numbers: Africa's poaching crisis
A look at some of the key facts and figures as African rhinos and elephants are continually slaughtered by poachers.
Elephants being killed faster than being born
Human-elephant conflict
Land conflicts between humans and elephants are believed to be a huge long-term threat, as growing human population demands greater living space
Fragmented habitat and severe competition for land have caused human-elephant conflicts that have ended in loss of life for both people and animals
The rhino
There are two species of African rhino, white and black, which are predominately found in just four countries - South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya
Why South Africa is a prime target for rhino poachers
South Africa has the largest population of rhinos in the world and currently conserves 79% of Africa’s rhinos, many of which can be found in its Kruger National Park
It has also experienced the vast majority of poaching on the continent since 2008
Kruger National Park
By the end of December 2015, the number of poached rhinos in South Africa was 1,175
This was a slight decrease compared to the previous year when the number stood at 1,215
Recorded number of rhinos poached in South Africa 2007-2015
2007 -13
2008 -83
2009 -122
2010 -333
2011 - 448
2012 - 668
2013 -1,004
2014 -1,215
2015 - 1,175
Source: Data from the South African Department of Environmental Affairs
Why is there such a demand?
Rhino horns are a lucrative commodity on the black market where they can be sold for vast sums.
It is largely driven by demand in some Asian countries where powdered horn is used in medicine. It is also seen as a status symbol.
Source: Which is most valuable: Gold, cocaine or rhino horn?
The African rhino
There are two species of African rhino, white and black, which are predominately found in just four countries - South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Why South Africa is a prime target for rhino poachers
South Africa has the largest population of rhinos in the world and currently conserves 79% of Africa’s rhinos, many of which can be found in its Kruger National Park.
It has also experienced the vast majority of poaching on the continent since 2008.
Kruger National Park
By the end of December 2015, the number of poached rhinos in South Africa was 1,175.
This was a slight decrease compared to the previous year when the number stood at 1,215.
Recorded number of rhinos poached in South Africa 2007-2015
2007 -13
2008 -83
2009 -122
2010 -333
2011 - 448
2012 - 668
2013 -1,004
2014 -1,215
2015 - 1,175
Source: Data from the South African Department of Environmental Affairs