Warning horn
In an effort to make them useless to poachers, researchers are implanting radioactive isotopes into the horns of rhinos in South Africa.
The unusual material would “render the horn useless… essentially poisonous for human consumption,” said James Larkin, professor and dean of science at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. told Agence France-Presse.
The isotopes would also be “strong enough to activate detectors installed around the world,” Larkin added, referring to hardware originally installed to “prevent nuclear terrorism.”
And in case you’re wondering, the ‘two little radioactive chips in the horn’ pose no risk to the health of the animals or the local environment, making it an elegant solution to a very real problem.
Ex Tincture
Rhino horns are in high demand for use in traditional medicine, especially in Asia, despite their existence no scientific evidence to support their supposed therapeutic effects. They can be worth more in weight than gold or cocaine.
According to AFPIn 2023, 499 rhinos were killed, an increase of 11 percent compared to 2022. While three species of rhinos remain critically endangeredFortunately, Africa’s white rhinos have made a remarkable recovery after once being considered extinct, thanks in large part to conservation efforts. According to the report, there are approximately 15,000 rhinos in South Africa.
Radioactive rhino
Previous attempts, including poisoning or painting the horns, have so far failed. Conservationists even have resorted to dehorning deliberately protecting rhinos from poachers since the 1980s.
“We get a lot of criticism because we saw with a chainsaw,” PhD student and black rhino conservation specialist Vanessa Duthé from the University of Neuchâtel told To discover last year“but it is the best way, the fastest way (to dehorn).”
However, Larkin is optimistic about his latest effort. He and his colleagues plan to implant radioactive isotopes into twenty rhinos.
“Maybe this is the way to stop poaching,” he said. AFP“This is the best idea I’ve ever heard.”
More about rhinos: This rideable rhino robot looks absolutely amazing
