Massive bones, some already bleached by the blistering sun in the Hwange National Park, litter the landscape around one remote watering hole where 18 carcasses were found. Officials say cyanide used in gold mining was spread by poachers over the flat "salt pans," also known as natural, mineral rich salt licks, around water holes. They say lions, hyenas and vultures have died from feeding on contaminated carcasses or drinking nearby.

"The magnitude of what we are witnessing today is much higher that what has occurred previously," environment minister Saviour Kasukuwere told reporters on a trip to the park Monday.