Categories: Science

Rhino horns to be injected with radioactive material to deter illegal poaching in South Africa

<p>
<strong>With rampant illegal killing of rhinoceros going on, authorities are seized on how to protect them from poachers. Now, scientists of South Africa are studying ways to inject radioactive material in the horns of these animals. The idea is to make it easier to detect them at the border post, when they are shipped out illegally.</strong></p>
<p>
The researchers feel that this move will discourage poaching.</p>
<p>
The poachers have already killed 249 rhinos in South Africa in the first six months of this year. The figure is alarming as it is 83 more than what was in the first half of 2020.</p>
<p>
The main reason for the indiscriminate slaughter of rhinos is because of their horns. These are smuggled to Asia, a region where it fetches high prices as they are considered important for traditional and medicinal purposes.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/science-news/study-of-rhinoceros-genetics-will-help-boost-their-dwindling-population-111677.html">Study of rhinoceros genetics will help boost their dwindling population</a></strong></p>
<p>
According to James Larkin, a nuclear researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand, injecting rhino horns with a small amount of radioactive material might deter poachers by making smuggling easier to detect.</p>
<p>
At a webinar hosted by the World Nuclear Association, Larkin disclosed that more than 11,000 radiation detectors are installed at ports and airports around the world. Also border agents are equipped with handheld radiation detectors that will help them to identify and detect the contraband, he added.</p>
<p>
"We can radically increase the army of people who are capable of intercepting these horns… to push back against the smugglers,” said Larkin.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/latest-news/sa-national-parks-welcome-yr-sentence-to-poachers-112483.html">SA National Parks welcome 105 yr sentence to poachers</a></strong></p>
<p>
In fact already two of these animals have been injected with a non-radioactive isotope. This will ensure their safety while also making sure that the material does not travel into their bodies or cause any health problems for both the animals or humans.</p>
<p>
In order to determine the appropriate dose, computer modelling will be done. In this a model rhino head will be built with a 3D printer to test the doses before the trial moves to real rhinos.</p>
<p>
This programme has been named as The Rhisotope Project and it is being backed by Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company and also researchers in the United States and Australia.</p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

Productive discussions on connectivity, security, terrorism: Jaishankar at India-Central Asia Dialogue

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, chairing the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in Delhi on Thursday,…

6 minutes ago

Tata Electronics, BEL join hands to advance India’s electronics, semiconductors ecosystem

Tata Electronics and state-owned firm Bharat Electronics (BEL) have joined hands to advance the development…

16 minutes ago

Israel’s Defence Minister slams Lebanese President for criticizing strikes on Hezbollah

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz responded to criticism leveled at Israel by Lebanese President Joseph…

33 minutes ago

ETGE alleges Uyghur militants in Syria exploited by Chinese Intelligence, seeks US support

The East Turkistan Government in Exile expresses deep concern regarding the purported incorporation of Uyghur…

2 hours ago

“All good work is indeed left for me only to complete,” says PM Modi as he inaugurates major railway projects in J-K

Noting that the newly inaugurated Chenab and Anji Bridges will not only connect Jammu and…

2 hours ago

J-K: PM Modi inaugurates world’s highest Railway bridge over Chenab, Anji bridge in Reasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the world's highest railway arch bridge - 'Chenab…

5 hours ago