The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) told the Saturday Star newspaper they counted 260 new NGO's who were supposedly working towards the cause.

EWT manager Kirsty Brebner said the trust were worried that many fake organisations could have a negative impact on their authentic projects.

"This is of great concern as it contributes to donor fatigue," said Brebner.

NGO's usually get funds by selling keyrings, t-shirts, hand chains, CD's and plush toys to supporters.

Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal co-ordinator Jabulani Ngubane said people could become confused about which organisation to follow.

"Having so many projects can be confusing to the average citizen. And with increasingly simpler ways to make a contribution and bombarding of the 'save the rhino' message, the public are at risk of being rhino-ed out," he told the newspaper.

Environmentalists and government have increased efforts to curb poaching by increasing border control measures and deploying sniffer dogs at airports and game reserves, among other initiatives.