A South African university has launched the “Rhisotope Project”, which uses radioactive isotopes to protect rhinos by making their horns traceable and undesirable to poachers.

About Rhinos

• There are 5 species of rhinoceros in the world: 2 African species (White Rhino and Black Rhino)  3 Asian Species (Indian Rhino, Sumatran Rhino and Javan Rhino)
• Rhinos in India: 
  • Main Species: Greater One-Horned Rhino (Indian Rhino)
  • Population (2024): Approx. 3,700 (as per International Rhino Foundation)
  • Key Protected Areas: Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Indian Rhino: Schedule I under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India)
• Conservation Efforts in India:
  • Major Programs: Project Rhino, Indian Rhino Vision 2020
  • National Rhino Conservation Strategy (2019): Framework to protect and conserve the Greater One-Horned Rhino
  • DNA Profiling of Rhinos: Helps curb poaching and strengthen wildlife crime investigations
  • New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos: Signed by India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia, and Malaysia for conservation collaboration

About the Rhisotope Project

• Launch: Initiated by the University of the Witwatersrand, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Implementation: Five rhinos were administered radioactive isotope injections in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.

How Isotope Tagging Works?

• Definition: Radioactive isotopes are unstable forms of elements that emit radiation and transform into stable forms, making them traceable and detectable.
• Procedure: 
  • Low doses of radioactive isotopes are injected through a non-invasive procedure into rhino horns.
  • Enables detection by Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) at borders, ports, and airports, which are used to identify unauthorised nuclear material.
• Testing Process:
  • Researchers used 3D-printed rhino horns that mimic real keratin to test detection in full 40-foot shipping containers.
  • The process proved successful in allowing customs agents to detect horns, making smuggling more difficult.
• Effect on Rhinos and Humans:  The isotope tagging is completely safe for rhinos and renders the horn “useless” and “poisonous” to humans.
• Advantages of Rhisotope Project:
• • Considered less disruptive than dehorning.
  • Functions as a preventive and detection-based deterrent, rather than a physical alteration.

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