Scientists in South Africa craft radioactive rhino horns as a deterrent to rhino poaching
In South Africa, a groundbreaking anti-poaching campaign called the Rhisotope Project has been launched, aiming to combat the illegal trade of rhino horns using nuclear science. The project, which is being led by the University of the Witwatersrand, involves injecting low doses of radioactive isotopes into rhino horns to make them detectable by customs agents worldwide[1][2][3].
The Rhisotope Project is a collaborative effort between the university, nuclear energy officials, and conservationists. It operates as a registered non-profit and encourages participation from private rhino owners, NGOs, and conservation authorities[4]. The project's goal is to protect South Africa's declining rhino population, which has suffered over 10,000 poaching losses in the last decade[1][2].
The radioactive tagging of rhino horns enables their detection by existing Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) deployed at borders, ports, and airports globally. These monitors are traditionally used for nuclear security, but with the Rhisotope Project, they can now help enforce anti-poaching laws by identifying and intercepting illegal rhino horn trafficking[1][2][3].
Initial tests conducted in the project's pilot study confirmed that the radioactive material is not harmful to rhinos. Five rhinos were injected as part of the project's initial phase, with further tests using 3D-printed horn replicas to confirm detection through luggage, cargo, and even full shipping containers[3][4]. A single horn with lower levels of radioactivity than what will be used in practice successfully triggered alarms in radiation detectors[1][3].
James Larkin, the chief scientific officer at the Rhisotope Project, stated that the process is completely safe for the animal. He emphasized that the isotopes being used are harmless for rhinos[1]. The project is being carried out at the University of the Witwatersrand's Radiation and Health Physics Unit[1].
The Rhisotope Project is not the university's first foray into conservation efforts. Last year, about 20 rhinos at a sanctuary were injected with isotopes in trials[1]. The university has not been previously mentioned as being involved in the conservation efforts or trials of the Rhisotope Project.
With the Rhisotope Project, poachers and traffickers face a heightened risk of detection and prosecution for trafficking rhino horns internationally. This unique combination of nuclear security technology and wildlife conservation aims to deter poachers and help safeguard South Africa's precious rhino population[1][4].
[1] The Rhisotope Project [2] CNN [3] The Guardian [4] BBC News
The Rhisotope Project, driven by the University of the Witwatersrand, extends its focus from nuclear security to health-and-wellness and environmental science, involving the safety of rhinos during the process of radioactive tagging for fitness-and-exercise purposes, such as running international borders, thereby aiding in the fight againstrhino poaching. The nuclear energy officials, conservationists, private rhino owners, NGOs, and conservation authorities involved in the project strive to promote the project as a means to achieve better healthcare and wellness for rhinos, while simultaneously protecting South Africa's dwindling rhino population.
