Rhisotope Project
The University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa has launched an innovative anti-poaching campaign. It uses radioactive isotopes injected into rhino horns. This method aims to make horns traceable and deter illegal trafficking. The initiative follows six years of research and testing. It is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Background
The Rhisotope Project began with injecting radioactive isotopes into five rhinos at the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. Following a successful pilot involving 20 rhinos, the university plans mass treatment of rhinos across South Africa. The radioactive tagging is claimed to be harmless to the animals and detectable by global customs radiation monitors.
How Radioactive Isotope Tagging Works
Radioactive isotopes are unstable elements that emit radiation to become stable. Low doses are injected into rhino horns through a non-invasive procedure. The radiation makes the horn detectable by radiation portal monitors at borders and ports worldwide. This helps customs identify trafficked horns easily. Tests used 3D-printed horns mimicking real keratin to confirm detection inside large shipping containers.
Safety and Impact on Rhinos
Health monitoring by Ghent University showed no cellular damage in treated rhinos. Biological dosimetry and cytological exams confirmed the safety of the procedure. The radioactive tagging also renders the horn toxic and useless to humans, reducing its value in illegal trade. Unlike dehorning, this method does not disrupt rhino behaviour or social patterns.
The Poaching Crisis and Conservation Context
Rhino populations have plummeted from 500,000 in the early 20th century to around 27,000 . Demand for horns in Asian markets drives poaching. South Africa has lost over 10,000 rhinos to poachers in the last decade. While not a complete solution, radioactive tagging offers a new deterrent that avoids the behavioural downsides of horn removal.
Future Prospects and Broader Application
Researchers hope to extend this technology to protect other endangered species like elephants and pangolins. The project represents an international collaboration aiming to use radiation in conservation positively. The approach combines science and technology to tackle wildlife trafficking globally.
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