Radioactive Rhino Rescue: A New Hope Against Poaching

A groundbreaking anti-poaching initiative has been launched by the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. The project involves injecting rhino horns with radioactive isotopes, a move designed to help customs agents detect illegal trafficking. Collaborating with nuclear energy officials and conservationists, the project aims to protect the dwindling rhino population.

Last year's trials at a rhino sanctuary, which involved about 20 animals, demonstrated that even low levels of the isotopes can trigger alarms in radiation detectors at airports and borders. This potentially paves the way for significant arrests of poachers and traffickers, offering a new check against illegal wildlife trade.

Chief scientific officer of the Rhisotope Project, James Larkin, affirmed the safety of the process, emphasizing its effectiveness in making rhino horns detectable through international customs systems. With South Africa facing high poaching rates, conservation authorities and rhino owners are encouraged to consider this innovative method of protection.

(With inputs from agencies.)