Over 300 elephan poisoned in Zimbabwe...

More than 300 elephants and other animals have died of cyanide poisoning by poachers in Zimbabwe’s largest game park, a wildlife conservation group said Monday.
“In July, around 300 elephants had died from cyanide poisoning in Hwange and were discovered by a group of hunters who flew over the area,” Johnny Rodrigues, chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force told AFP.
He said other animals that have also been killed include lions, vultures, painted dogs and hyenas.
“The authorities only stepped in in September and by then the numbers had escalated. As at last week, about 325 had died altogether.”
Government officials were not immediately available to confirm the figure.
The parks and wildlife authority said last week that the death toll from poisoning was 100. Four poachers have been jailed for at least 15 years each for the crime.
Rodrigues accused the authorities of downplaying the toll, adding that poaching masterminds often got off scot-free.
HUFFINGTON POST