The Rhisotope Project, spearheaded by researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand, seeks to thwart poachers by enabling law enforcement to detect smuggled horns while ensuring the safety of the rhinos.
Innovative Radiation Strategy Aims to Deter Rhino Poaching in South Africa
Innovative Radiation Strategy Aims to Deter Rhino Poaching in South Africa
South African scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to combat wildlife poaching by injecting rhino horns with harmless radioactive material.
In a pioneering effort to curb poaching, scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa have initiated the Rhisotope Project, which involves injecting rhino horns with a harmless radioactive substance. This innovative approach aims to create a way for customs officials to identify smuggled rhino horns as they travel globally. South Africa, home to the largest population of rhinos worldwide, continues to face alarming levels of poaching, with reports indicating that at least one rhino is killed daily for their horns.
The project, which represents a £220,000 ($290,000) investment of six years of research and development, has shown promising results in pilot studies involving 20 rhinos. According to Professor James Larkin of Wits University, using this technology makes the response to poaching proactive, rather than reactive. The radioactive material is considered "completely safe" for the rhinos, and researchers have unveiled that the horns can be detected even inside large shipping containers.
Jamie Joseph, a leading rhino advocate and director of the Saving the Wild charity, endorsed the initiative, emphasizing that while this innovation is crucial, it is not a standalone solution. Better legislation and political commitment are ultimately necessary to resolve the crisis surrounding rhinos. More than 400 rhinos have been reportedly poached each year in South Africa since 2021, according to the conservation organization Save the Rhino.
Jessica Babich, leading the Rhisotope Project, expressed the goal of deploying this technology on a broader scale to protect rhinos, which are an essential part of Africa's natural legacy. The trade of rhino horns, primarily to Asian markets for traditional medicine and as symbols of status, poses a significant threat to both black and white rhino populations, the former being critically endangered.
As the Rhisotope Project progresses, it seeks not just to diminish the trafficking of rhino horns but also to empower conservationists with data to better understand and address illegal wildlife trade.
