Game rangers at the Kruger National Park in South Africa killed three suspected rhino poachers in "a full-scale fire fight," the body that manages the country's nature reserves said
Sunday.
One more suspect was critically injured, while another fled across the border into Mozambique, South African National Parks (SANParks) said.
"All indications were that the poaching group... were well trained, well-armed and were attired in battle camouflage fatigues.
The sheer number, equipment and tactics presented by the poaching group indicated their aggressive intent," said SANParks spokeswoman Wanda Mkutshulwa.
The wildlife authority said it required the "urgent cooperation from our counterparts in Mozambique" to combat poaching, which this year alone has claimed 82 rhinos in South Africa.
Separately, a group of four poachers were arrested without resistance in an area adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
Last year, more than 660 rhinos were poached. South Africa, with about 20,000 rhinos, is home to the world's largest population of the endangered species.
The animals are killed for their horns, which are in demand in Asia, particularly in Vietnam, where some believe they have medicinal value though this has not been scientifically proven.