Rhisotope Project

Rhisotope Project has been planned by the University of Witwatersrand in collaboration with Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation (ROSATOM), Colorado State University (USA), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) along with scientists from across the globe, rhinoceros owners from South Africa and vets. The main aim of the project is to determine whether radioactive isotopes can be placed into the horn of rhinoceros to curb its poaching.

Q1. How will this project help in curbing the poaching of Rhinoceros?

Isotopes in a very harmless quantity will be injected in the horns of the rhinoceros so that they can be detected across the borders. Also by doing this the international demand of rhinoceros horns can be reduced especially in countries such as China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Croatia, etc, where illicit trade of rhinoceros horns still take place.

Q2. Rhinoceros population is the highest in which country?

Most of the world’s rhinoceros population (90%) can be found in South Africa. Also between the years 2010 to 2019 more than 9600 rhinoceros have been killed for their horns.

Q3. What other plans does the Rhisotope Project have for the conservation of Rhinoceros?

The Rhisotope Project is also working to create awareness and create investments and research facilities for the upliftment and conservation of Rhinoceros.