A body of a suspect and identified as a poacher was found in South Africa mauled by lions in a Phinda Private Game Reserve, although much of the body has been eaten by the lion which made it difficult to identify who the person was, but a hunting rifle and ammunition were also found.

The man was found inside Ingwelala private nature Reserve near the famed Kruger National Park in northeastern south Africa. Authorities believe the man was there for poaching because the man was allegedly intruding on the reserve with hunting weapons.

Rhino poaching has been seen in the region at higher levels and also known as more lucrative animal to kill illegally. The kruger area saw a drastic increase from the 13 rhinos killed in 2007 to more than 1,000 killed in 2014. Part of Asia, the horn is valuable and its in high demand where its used as a form of medicine or carved into works of art.

Last October, two rescued lions were poached at their enclosure on a nature reserve, poachers have taken their heads, tails, paws, and skins. Although being used for decorative purposes, the lions parts are also known to be used in a traditional medicine called muti.

Credit: National Geographic