In a groundbreaking effort to combat the rampant poaching of rhinos, South African scientists have embarked on a pioneering project to inject radioactive material into live rhino horns. This innovative approach aims to make the horns easier to detect at border posts and render them essentially useless for human consumption, thereby deterring poachers and traffickers.
The initiative, known as the Rhisotope Project, was spearheaded by James Larkin, director of the University of the Witwatersrand’s radiation and health physics unit. The project involves placing “two tiny little radioactive chips” into the horns of rhinos. Larkin explained that the radioactive material’s dose is so low that it poses no risk to the animal’s health or the environment. The goal is to make the horns detectable by radiation detectors installed globally at international border posts, originally set up to thwart nuclear terrorism.
The project is being piloted at the Limpopo rhino orphanage in the Waterberg area of northeastern South Africa. Here, a few of the thick-skinned herbivores graze in the low savannah, unaware of the life-saving procedure they are undergoing. The rhinos are put to sleep during the process, ensuring they feel no pain as the radioactive material is administered.
Nithaya Chetty, professor and dean of science at the University of the Witwatersrand, emphasized that the radioactive material would “render the horn useless” and “essentially poisonous for human consumption.” This is a crucial aspect of the project, as the high demand for rhino horns in parts of Asia, where they are believed to have powerful medicinal properties, has fueled an illegal market that rivals the price of gold and cocaine.
Despite various efforts to curb poaching, including dehorning rhinos and poisoning the horns, these methods have not been entirely successful. In 2023, 499 rhinos were killed in South Africa, an 11% increase over the previous year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for more effective deterrents.
The Rhisotope Project aims to address this need by making the horns detectable at border posts. Border agents often have handheld radiation detectors that can pick up contraband, and thousands of radiation detectors are installed at ports and airports worldwide. By making the horns detectable, the project hopes to disrupt the illegal trade and make it more difficult for poachers to smuggle the horns out of the country.
Arrie Van Deventer, the founder of the Limpopo rhino orphanage, expressed optimism about the project. “Maybe this is the thing that will stop poaching,” he said. “This is the best idea I’ve ever heard.” The project involves meticulous work, with team members drilling small holes into the horns and hammering in the radioisotope. The material is expected to last five years in the horns, making it a more cost-effective method than dehorning, which needs to be repeated every 18 months.
The final phase of the project will ensure the animals’ aftercare, following proper scientific and ethical protocols. The team will take follow-up blood samples to ensure the rhinos are effectively protected. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a sustainable solution to the poaching crisis.
The high demand for rhino horns has led to various initiatives to protect these majestic animals. Some efforts include moving rhinos to different parts of Africa to get them out of poachers’ reach and safely removing their horns. However, these methods have not been foolproof. During the coronavirus pandemic, rhino poaching surged across Africa due to a lack of funding, which caused security shortages in conservation areas.
The Rhisotope Project represents a new frontier in the fight against poaching. By leveraging advanced technology and scientific research, the project aims to create a significant deterrent for poachers and traffickers. The hope is that this innovative approach will help protect the remaining rhino population and ensure their survival for future generations.
In conclusion, the use of radioactive material to treat rhino horns is a promising development in the ongoing battle against poaching. While traditional methods have had limited success, this new approach offers a potential game-changer. By making the horns detectable and essentially useless for human consumption, the Rhisotope Project aims to disrupt the illegal trade and provide a sustainable solution to protect these endangered animals.
Source: AFP, CBS
