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South Africa’s scientists have launched an anti -coating campaign into which Rhino’s horns will be introduced with radioactive material.
A group from the University of Vitutersranda said the process is harmless to rhinos, but will allow customs officers to detect smuggled horns when they are transported worldwide.
South Africa has the largest rhino population in the world, and hundreds of animals are missing every year.
The university company, called the Rhisotope project, cost about £ 220,000 ($ 290,000) and included six years of research and tests.
“At least one animal a day is still a pox,” James Larkin, a professor at the University of Wits, who participated in the project, said in the project.
“I think the numbers will only go one way if we do not see …. This is an essential tool to help reduce poaching because we are actively rather than jet.”
Professor Larkin added that the pilot study, which involved 20 rhinos, confirmed that the radioactive material was “fully safe” for animals.
Jessica Babich, Rhisotope project manager, said: “Our goal is to expand rhisotope technology to help protect one of Africa’s most iconic and threatening species.”
“By doing this, we protect not only rhinos, but also vital part of our natural heritage.”
Researchers of the University of Wits, who cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency, found that the horns can even be detected in full 40-foot (six-meter) containers.
Each year, more than 400 rhinos have been lacked in South Africa since 2021, the charity “Save the Rhino” says.
African rhinos horns are often exported to the Asian markets they are used in traditional medicine, and are considered as a status symbol.
White rhinos are considered threatening and black rhinos are critical.
