In a bold step to combat poaching, South African scientists have begun injecting rhino horns with a harmless radioactive substance to make them detectable at borders. Dubbed the Rhisotope Project, the initiative is led by professors from the University of the Witwatersrand. It was developed over six years and cost nearly $290,000. The radioactive material, which is harmless to rhinos, will allow customs officers to scan for smuggled horns and can be detected even through shipping containers. With over 400 rhinos poached annually in South Africa, this technology aims to disrupt the illegal trade in rhino horns and provide valuable data for tracking the smuggling routes. Conservationists welcome the innovation but stress that stronger laws and political will are still essential.
BBC
