Wildlife rangers¹ have shot dead five suspected ivory poachers during a gun battle in western Kenya.

野生动物保护巡逻人员在肯尼亚西部与象牙偷猎嫌疑犯发生枪战，五名疑犯被击毙。

Kenya says there has been an increase in poaching in recent years
Two rangers were hurt during the battle in West Pokot county, said officials from Kenya's Wildlife Service (KWS).

They said 50kg (110lb) of elephant tusks²（獠牙） and AK-47 rifles were recovered.

Kenya has recently taken a more aggressive stance against poaching as it combats a surge in demand for ivory from Asia, despite a long-standing ban on the international trade.

KWS spokesman Paul Udoto said on Saturday that rangers were determined³ to make poaching "a high-cost, low-benefit activity".

The KWS says about 100 elephants are killed each year in Kenya by poachers.

Ivory from elephants is often smuggled⁴ to Asia for use in ornaments⁵, while rhino⁶ horns are used in traditional medicine.