In South Africa, researchers have implanted radioactive material into the horns of 20 rhinos as part of a research initiative to combat poaching.
The aim is for existing radiation detectors at national borders to identify these horns, aiding authorities in apprehending poachers and traffickers.
The research project, involving veterinarians and nuclear experts, starts with tranquillising the animals.
A hole is then drilled into the rhino’s horn, and radioactive material is carefully inserted.
This week, researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Radiation and Health Physics Unit successfully injected 20 rhinos with these isotopes.
They aim to replicate the method to protect other vulnerable wild species from poaching, such as elephants and pangolins.
“We are pursuing this approach because it greatly enhances our ability to intercept these horns during trafficking across international borders, leveraging a global network of radiation monitors established to combat nuclear terrorism,” explained Professor James Larkin, leader of the project. “We are building upon this existing infrastructure to achieve our goals.”
At the beginning of the 20th century, the global rhino population totaled about 500,000, as reported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Currently, that number has plummeted to around 27,000, largely driven by ongoing demand for rhino horns in the black market.
South Africa is home to the largest population of rhinos globally, estimated at around 16,000, but faces a serious challenge with more than 500 rhinos killed each year.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic around 2020, South Africa experienced a significant decrease in rhino poaching. However, as lockdown restrictions eased, poaching numbers began to rise again.
“We need new and effective strategies to combat poaching. While the numbers declined during Covid, they are now starting to increase again,” remarked Larkin.
Despite receiving support from some quarters of the industry, the researchers have encountered significant ethical objections to their approach.
Pelham Jones, chairperson of the Private Rhino Owners Association, is one of the critics skeptical about the effectiveness of the proposed method in deterring poachers and traffickers.
“They have devised alternative methods for transporting rhino horn out of the country, continent, or even off the continent, avoiding traditional border crossings because they understand the heightened risk of confiscation or interception,” he stated.
Professor Nithaya Chetty, dean of the science faculty at Witwatersrand, assured that extensive testing was conducted to validate the minimal radioactive dosage and thoroughly assess any potential negative impacts on the animals.