Conservationists in India say they are powerless to stop poachers targeting rhinos.

The rare Indian Rhinoceros has long been prized by poachers for its horn, which is ground down and sold as an aphrodisiac.

Activists in the northeastern state of Assam say 20 one-horned rhinos were killed in 2007.

This is the first year since 1998 when more than ten cases of poaching have been reported.

Experts believe the horns are sold in China and other Asian countries for up to £18,000 a kilogram or shipped to the Middle East to make ornamental dagger handles.

Mohan Chandra Malakar, Head of Wildlife conservation in Assam, called for government help, saying: "We certainly lack the money that is needed to get information about the poachers."

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