The Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa said on Friday it is alarmed at an increase in rhino poaching.

152 animals have been slaughtered since the start of the year.

The NGO’s Chris Galliers said they believe the authorities are intensifying their crackdown on poachers, but more must be done.

42 suspected poachers have been apprehended over the last seven months and Galliers said ordinary people can help by looking out for poaching.

“Civil society can actually monitor and keep their eyes open.”

He added, “Loads of these poaching incidents have been related to people in helicopters where the registrations have been removed, and they can actually go down and dart the rhinos then cut off their horns and fly away.”

WESSA has also requested donations from the public and businesses to help fund the war on poaching.