South Africa's Rhisotope Project Uses Radioactive Isotopes in Rhino Horns to Combat Poaching

The Rhisotope Project in South Africa injects rhino horns with harmless radioactive isotopes to deter poaching. This innovative method aims to enhance detection at customs and protect the declining rhino population.

A South African university has initiated an anti-poaching initiative aimed at protecting rhinos by injecting their horns with radioactive isotopes. This project, known as the Rhisotope Project, is a collaboration between the University of the Witwatersrand, nuclear energy experts, and conservationists. The isotopes are harmless to the animals but detectable by customs agents.

Last year, trials were conducted on about 20 rhinos at a sanctuary, setting the stage for the project's official launch. The university hopes this will lead to widespread injections across the dwindling rhino population. Five rhinos have already been treated under this initiative.

Radioactive Isotopes as a Deterrent

The isotopes, even in low concentrations, can be identified by radiation detectors at airports and border crossings. This capability is expected to aid in catching poachers and traffickers. James Larkin, the chief scientific officer of the Rhisotope Project, stated that tests confirmed the safety of this method for rhinos.

"We have demonstrated, beyond scientific doubt, that the process is completely safe for the animal and effective in making the horn detectable through international customs nuclear security systems," said Larkin. He added that even horns with minimal radioactivity levels triggered alarms in radiation detectors.

Encouraging Broader Participation

The university is encouraging private wildlife park owners and national conservation bodies to adopt this method for their rhinos. With South Africa hosting approximately 16,000 rhinos, it remains a hotspot for poaching activities. Annually, around 500 rhinos fall victim to poachers seeking their horns.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global rhino population has plummeted from about 500,000 at the start of the 20th century to roughly 27,000 today. This decline is largely due to ongoing demand for rhino horns on illegal markets.

Successful Detection Trials

Larkin noted that tests showed horns could be detected even inside full 40-foot shipping containers. This finding underscores the potential effectiveness of using radioactive isotopes as a deterrent against poaching and trafficking.

The Rhisotope Project represents a significant step in efforts to protect rhinos from poaching. By making their horns detectable through international customs systems, it aims to reduce illegal trade and help preserve these endangered animals.

With inputs from PTI