Innovative Approach to Protect Rhinos: Radioactive Horns
In a groundbreaking effort to combat poaching, scientists in South Africa are implanting radioactive isotopes into the horns of living rhinos. This innovative method aims to render the horns toxic for human consumption and thus useless to poachers.
James Larkin, professor and dean of science at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, explained to Agence France-Presse that the radioactive material would make the horn "essentially poisonous for human consumption." Additionally, the isotopes would be detectable by global security systems originally designed to prevent nuclear terrorism.
The tiny radioactive chips pose no risk to the rhinos or the environment, making this an elegant and effective solution. Rhino horns are highly sought after in traditional medicine, especially in Asia, despite lacking any proven therapeutic benefits. These horns can be more valuable by weight than gold or cocaine.
In 2023, 499 rhinos were killed by poachers, an 11 percent increase from 2022. While some rhino species are critically endangered, conservation efforts have helped the white rhino population in Africa rebound to about 15,000.
Previous anti-poaching measures, such as poisoning or painting the horns and even dehorning, have had limited success. However, Larkin is hopeful that this new method could be the key to stopping poaching. He and his team plan to implant radioactive isotopes in twenty rhinos.
"Maybe this is the thing that will stop poaching," Larkin told AFP. "This is the best idea I've ever heard."
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