South African scientists have embarked on a groundbreaking project to curb rhino poaching by injecting radioactive material into live rhino horns, making them easier to detect at border posts. The initiative aims to deter poachers by making the horns essentially worthless for illegal trade.
Poaching crisis in South Africa
Home to the majority of the world’s rhinos, South Africa has become a hotspot for poaching, driven by demand from Asia, where rhino horns are prized in traditional medicine. The Limpopo rhino orphanage in the Waterberg area, in the country’s northeast, serves as a sanctuary for some of these endangered animals.
The rhisotope project
James Larkin, director of the University of the Witwatersrand‘s radiation and health physics unit, spearheaded the initiative. He explained to AFP that he placed “two tiny little radioactive chips in the horn” of a rhino while administering radioisotopes. Nithaya Chetty, professor and dean of science at the same university, added that the radioactive material would render the horn “essentially poisonous for human consumption.”
Larkin assured that the dose of radioactive material was so low it would not affect the animal’s health or the environment. The rhinos, put to sleep during the procedure, felt no pain.
Rising poaching numbers
Despite government efforts, the South African environment ministry reported in February that 499 rhinos were killed in 2023, marking an 11 percent increase over the previous year. Most of these killings occurred in state-run parks.
Pilot project details
The Rhisotope project involves administering a radioactive dose to 20 live rhinos, strong enough to trigger detectors installed globally at international border posts to prevent nuclear terrorism. Larkin, donning a green hat and khaki shirt, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to deter poachers.
Scientists noted that border agents equipped with handheld radiation detectors, along with thousands of radiation detectors at ports and airports, would be able to identify the contraband rhino horns.
Rhino horns are highly valued on the black market, with prices rivaling those of gold and cocaine. Previous methods like dehorning and poisoning the horns have failed to stop poachers. Arrie Van Deventer, the founder of the orphanage, expressed hope that this new approach could be the solution. “This is the best idea I’ve ever heard,” he said.
Delicate procedure
During the procedure, Larkin drilled a small hole into the rhino horn, inserted the radioisotope, and sprayed 11,000 microdots over the horn. The southern African nation is home to about 15,000 rhinos, according to the International Rhino Foundation.
Ensuring animal welfare
The final phase of the project focuses on aftercare for the rhinos, following proper scientific and ethical protocols. The team’s COO, Jessica Babich, mentioned that follow-up blood samples would be taken to ensure the rhinos were effectively protected. Larkin noted that the radioactive material would last five years on the horn, making it a more cost-effective solution compared to dehorning every 18 months.