Eighty-four vultures of various species were rescued in the Mahlangeni Section of the park in Limpopo province, while more than one hundred others were found dead.

This followed reports that the birds had consumed an elephant carcass laced with toxic agrochemical pesticides by poachers.

SANParks Spokesperson Ike Phaahla says the incident was detected through a tracking device.

“Our rangers were alerted to the incident when they couldn't detect movement from one of the birds who had a device attached to them. Upon reaction, they found this grim scene and immediately activated the emergency process. It is one of the most terrible things that we have witnessed in the first quarter of this year. We call upon all community members who are adjacent to the Kruger National Park to please give information to law enforcement agencies if they know anything about this incident.”

--SABC--