A South African university kicked off a prevention campaign on Thursday, injecting rhino horns with harmless radioactive isotopes that can be identified by customs officials.
This initiative, part of a collaborative effort involving Witwatersrand University, nuclear energy experts, and conservationists, has already seen five rhinos treated. The hope is that this marks the beginning of wider efforts to address declining rhino numbers.
The project is referred to as the lysotope project.
Previously, around 20 rhinos in a sanctuary were part of a trial last year, which helped lay the groundwork for this recent launch.
Even at minimal exposure levels, radioactive isotopes are detectable by radiation scanners found at airports and border crossings. This technology can help in the apprehension of poachers and human traffickers.
Researchers from Witwatersrand’s Radiation and Health Physics Unit have confirmed through preliminary studies that these radioactive materials are not harmful to the rhinos.
James Larkin, Chief Science Officer of the Rhisotope Project, stated, “We have scientifically proven that this method is entirely safe for the animals and effective at allowing customs nuclear security systems to detect the horns.” He added that even a horn with much lower radiation levels than what’s typically used would set off alarms on radiation detectors.
Moreover, tests indicated that horns could be recognized even when enclosed in a complete 40-foot transport container.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that in the early 20th century, the global rhino population was about 500,000, but it has since plummeted to roughly 27,000, largely due to persistent black market demand for rhino horns.
South Africa hosts the largest rhino population, with around 16,000, yet the country faces significant challenges, as approximately 500 rhinos are killed annually amid high levels of poaching.
The university is advocating for private wildlife park owners and national conservation bodies to participate in injecting rhinos as part of these efforts.
