South Africa is deploying an additional 150 rangers to its famed Kruger National Park in an effort to stop rhinoceros poaching.

Environment Minister Edna Molewa says that the new rangers will be in addition to the 500 rangers currently stationed at the park.

Sunday's announcement follows the killing of 11 rhinos in the country already this year. Most of the deaths have been blamed on poachers entering from Mozambique, which borders the park.

The South African Press Association quotes Molewa saying her department is discussing plans to re-erect a 150 kilometer fence along the border with Mozambique.

Authorities say the dramatic spike in rhino killings has been driven by demand for its use in Asian traditional medicine.

Last year, some 448 rhinos were poached in South Africa.