South African Initiative: Radioactive Rhino Horns to Deter Poaching

South African scientists injected radioactive material into live rhinoceros horns with an aim to curb poaching.

Background

• Despite the South African government’s efforts to tackle the illicit trade, 499 of the giant mammals were killed in 2023, mostly in state-run parks. That represents an 11% increase over the 2022 figures.
• Even though the horns grow back, poachers kill rhinos instead of sedating them to cut off the horns.
• Several Initiatives to protect Rhino have been launched: 
  • Staining horns with dye making it unsuitable for decorative, medicinal purposes etc.
  • Moving rhinos to different parts of Africa to get them out of poachers’ reach
  • Safely removing rhinos’ horns so that the Rhino’s are not targeted.
• ‘Rhisotope project’ is the latest attempt to deter poachers.

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‘Rhisotope’ project

• About: The Rhisotope Project aims to deter poaching by making rhino horns slightly radioactive. 
  • This involves injecting rhino horns with harmless, stable radioactive isotopes.
• Pilot Study: Twenty live rhinos are participating in the pilot phase of the project.
• Top up for maintaining Radioactivity: The radioisotopes in the horn need to be “topped up” after five years because the horn will grow and the radioactive half-life of the material weakens.
• Collaborative effort by Scientists: It is not a South African government project, but it involves collaboration with various international partners, universities and support from several scientific organisations.
• Cheaper alternative than dehorning: The radioactive material in the rhino horns is effective for up to five years before needing to be replenished. 
  • This method is more cost-effective compared to the traditional approach of dehorning, which must be done every 18 months due to horn regrowth​.

Reasons for Rhino Poaching

• • Demand in black market: Rhinoceros horns are highly sought after on black markets, where their price by weight rivals that of gold and cocaine.
  • Use in traditional medicine: Poaching is driven by the demand for rhino horns, particularly in Asia, where horns are used in traditional medicine for their supposed therapeutic effect.
• Advantages of making Rhino horn Radioactive: 
  • Reduces their desire as a commodity: Making rhino horns horn radioactive, reduces their desirability as a commodity.
  • Unfit for human consumption: This method aims to deter poachers as the radioactive material would render the horn useless, essentially poisonous for human consumption.
  • Detection at Borders: Radioactively treated horns are more likely to be detected at international borders, and can also help in catching the smugglers transporting rhino horns.

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