#PODCAST Rhisotope Project discuss world-first initiative to insert radioactive material into rhino horns in an effort to halt poaching #sabcnews

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - In a world first, a team of South African scientists, conservationists and other relevant stakeholders have inserted radio-active material into the horns of 20 rhinos in an effort to curb poaching and smuggling. In 2023, 499 rhinos were illegally killed across the country. This figure represents a worrying increase of over 10% against 2022's poaching losses. According to the Rhisotope Project behind the initiative, making rhino horns radioactive, reduces their desirability as a commodity. Radioactively treated horns are also more likely to be detected at international borders, making it more likely that smuggling syndicates are exposed, prosecuted and convicted under anti-terrorism laws. Since inception in 2021, Rhisotope has developed the perfect amount of radioactive material to not cause any health complications to the rhino. Rhisotope Project lead, Professor James Larkin says the project could go a long way in preventing trans-national smuggling of rhino horn and possibly other animal trafficking...