In a groundbreaking effort to combat poaching and protect rhinos in South Africa, scientists have embarked on a pioneering project that involves injecting radioactive material into live rhino horns. This innovative approach aims to make the horns easier to detect at border posts, ultimately deterring poachers who seek to profit from the illegal trade in rhino horns.
South Africa is home to a large majority of the world’s rhinos, making it a prime target for poachers driven by the demand for rhino horns in Asia. These horns are used in traditional medicine for their supposed therapeutic effects, leading to a devastating impact on rhino populations in the region. Despite government efforts to combat poaching, the numbers continue to rise, with 499 rhinos killed in 2023, representing an 11 percent increase from the previous year.
James Larkin and his team at the University of the Witwatersrand have developed a unique method of injecting radioactive material into rhino horns. This process involves placing tiny radioactive chips into the horn, rendering it essentially useless and poisonous for human consumption. The radioisotopes used are administered at a dose that is so low it does not harm the animal’s health or the environment.
The pilot Rhisotope project involves 20 live rhinos who will be part of the initiative to set off detectors at international border posts. This will help authorities identify and intercept rhino horns being smuggled across borders, ultimately disrupting the illegal trade. The radioactive material will last for five years on the horn, making it a cost-effective solution compared to dehorning every 18 months.
According to Arrie Van Deventer, the founder of the Limpopo rhino orphanage, previous methods such as dehorning and poisoning rhino horns have failed to deter poachers. The introduction of radioactive material into the horns offers a new approach that could potentially stop poaching in its tracks. The project’s COO, Jessica Babich, emphasized the importance of proper scientific and ethical protocols in caring for the rhinos after the injection process.
The injection of radioactive material into rhino horns represents a significant step forward in the fight against poaching in South Africa. By making the horns easier to detect and rendering them useless for human consumption, this innovative approach has the potential to save countless rhino lives and protect the species for future generations. It is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of scientists and conservationists working tirelessly to safeguard these magnificent creatures from extinction.
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