The Rhisotope Project is an initiative between WITS University, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Colorado State University, Rosatom, the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa) and top global nuclear scientists, researchers, South African rhino owners and the best wildlife veterinarians in the world to significantly reduce rhino poaching. By placing radioactive material in the rhinoceros horn it makes it impossible to smuggle it and creates an effective means of protecting the animals.  

“We hope to reduce poaching by introducing a small amount of isotopic material into rhino horns. We expect that the horns will be devalued in the eyes of the end consumer, because a buyer in the Far East is unlikely to want to purchase something radioactive,” explains Dr. Larkin. The presence of isotopes in the horns would make transporting them unattractive to illegal traffickers. “Radiation makes it easier to track horns if they are attempted to be smuggled across state borders because 10,000 to 11,000 radiation detectors have been installed at sea and air ports and checkpoints”, he added.

In the interview Dr. James Larkin mentioned that the scientific research will play a big role in preserving other species too. “We are also starting to think about whether we can do it with elephant ivory and then maybe look at cycad plants.”, concluded Dr. Larkin.

To get acquainted with the project, see the full interview via link: https://bit.ly/3JBwBqE