Nuclear plan to address rhino poaching

Scientists have implanted radioactive material into 20 rhino horns as the final test leg of the Rhisotope Project aimed at curbing rhino poaching. Beeld reports that the animals will be monitored for the next six months and, if all goes well, the Wits University project can be commercially implemented next year. Radioisotopes are placed within the horn to lower the perceived value of the horns for users who believe it has medicinal benefits and to curb smuggling. There are already approximately 11 000 radio activity detectors at strategic places such as airports, harbours, and border posts. Project leader Professor James Larkin said the radioactivity would be detected even if a horn was stored in a freight container.

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