Using harmless radioactive material, South African scientists aim to disrupt the illegal rhino horn trade while ensuring the safety of the animals, as yearly poaching statistics remain alarmingly high.
South Africa Innovates with Radioactive Rhino Horns to Combat Poaching
South Africa Innovates with Radioactive Rhino Horns to Combat Poaching
The Rhisotope Project introduces a groundbreaking method to protect rhinos by labeling their horns with radioactivity for detection against poachers.
In a unique effort to combat the rampant poaching of rhinos in South Africa, a team from the University of the Witwatersrand has initiated the Rhisotope Project, which involves injecting harmless radioactive material into rhino horns. This innovative approach aims to assist customs officials in identifying and intercepting smuggled rhino horns before they can reach markets, chiefly in Asia, where the horns are prized in traditional medicine and as symbols of status.
The initiative comes in response to the alarming statistics surrounding rhino poaching in South Africa—home to the largest rhino population worldwide. According to conservation charity Save the Rhino, over 400 rhinos have been poached annually since 2021. Professor James Larkin, a collaborator in the Rhisotope Project, emphasizes the urgency of their mission, stating, "At least one animal a day is still being poached... this is a significant tool to help reduce the numbers of poaching, because we're proactive rather than being reactive."
With a financial investment of around £220,000 ($290,000) and six years of research, the Rhisotope team tested this method on 20 rhinos, finding that the radioactive material posed no harm to the animals. "Our goal is to deploy the Rhisotope technology at scale to help protect one of Africa's most iconic and threatened species," stated Jessica Babich, head of the project. The research demonstrated that even within large shipping containers, the distinctive radioactive signatures of the horns can be detected, making the smuggling process much riskier for traffickers.
Prominent South African rhino activist Jamie Joseph praised the Rhisotope Project for being both innovative and timely, adding that while this initiative is not the definitive solution to the poaching crisis, it could significantly hinder the illegal trade. Underlining the importance of legislative changes and stronger political commitment, she believes that the project will help shine a light on illegal trading channels by providing precise data.
Amid ongoing threats to both white and black rhinos, the project's commitment to conserving these species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the region. With efforts like Rhisotope on the rise, there remains hope for a future where these majestic animals can flourish without the shadow of poaching looming over them.
