An elephant has trampled a suspected poacher to death in South Africa's renowned Kruger National Park (KNP).
Rangers discovered the mangled body in the Stolsnek area of KNP on Thursday, according to a park official.
The body was found after following tracks on the ground, the spokesperson said.
"No animal was killed in the immediate vicinity," the spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, said. "KNP Management continues to warn poachers that it is dangerous to hunt illegally in the KNP. Criminals stand to lose their lives and freedom."
He said the elephant spared the man's cell phone, which rangers turned over to police to help them track down his fellow poachers.
A herd of elephants trampled and killed another suspected poacher at the park earlier this year. In 2019, an elephant killed a suspected rhino poacher before his body was allegedly eaten by lions at the park.
Poaching, particularly of rhinos, has been a major problem in the KNP. In February, the park revealed that its rhino population had decreased by 70% in the previous decade, to slightly under 4,000.
The park reported the capture of four rhino poachers last week.
Rangers found no gun or other weapon near the body, but the spokesperson said authorities suspected the deceased man was a poacher because he was discovered in one of the park's restricted areas.
Officials believe the person who called to notify authorities of the man's death may have been an accomplice of the suspected poacher, according to Phaahla. The possible accomplice could have called because they wanted the body found.
The Kruger National Park, located in northeastern South Africa, is one of the continent's largest game reserves.
Over the last two years, the park has been successful in combating wildlife crimes, thanks to new technology and enhanced patrols that have helped catch suspects before they kill, according to Phaahla.
The park has also benefited from COVID travel restrictions.
Phaahla said the number of animals poached in KNP has decreased by 37% from last year.
The park spans approximately two million hectares and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos.
