The South African government says rhinoceros poaching is on the rise this year, with the greatest losses in the Kruger National Park.

Environment Minister Edna Molewa says 159 rhinos have been killed across South Africa this year, and the majority of the killings occurred in the park.

“The Kruger National Park continues to bear the brunt of these losses with rhino poached in the park reaching a staggering figure of 95, As we compare this with last year's figure it has actually increased and we very, very concerned”

The demand for rhino horns among Asian nations, including Vietnam and Thailand, has pushed the price to at least $60,000 per kilo.

The rhino horn is revered in Asian cultures for its medicinal benefits.

South Africa is home to about two thousand white rhino and about half of the African continent's 4,800 smaller black rhino population.