The white-backed vulture is listed on the IUCN's 'red list' of critically-endangered bird species. AFP/Arif Ali
JOHANNESBURG - SANParks is reeling from one of the largest poisonings of vultures in Southern Africa.
A total of 123 vultures were found dead in the Kruger National Park.
Eighty-four -- including white-backed, Cape, and hooded vultures -- were rescued alive.
The poisonings in the Mahlangeni section of the park are a setback to the vulture population, which is trying to recover from similar incidents in the past.
While investigating, officials also found an elephant carcass laced with highly toxic agrochemical pesticides.
This is a poison poachers use to harvest body parts for illegal trade.