South African authorities, have reported that efforts to combat poaching have resulted in a decline in the number of rhinos slaughtered for their horns in the first half of the year.

According to the environment ministry, 231 of the nation's rhinos were murdered for their horns between January and June, which is a decrease of 28 over the same time last year.

The environment ministry reports that combined efforts by South Africa's law enforcement agencies, customs officers, and private security have resulted in some convictions for poachers.

The endangered creatures, whose horns are still highly valued in China and Vietnam, are being killed by well-armed poaching gangs, but South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia continue to fight this battle.