Radioactive rhino horns may see the end of poaching in South Africa
Are these otherworldly horns the solution to all our problems?
Rhino poaching is a massive problem in South Africa.
Scientists estimate that 249 rhinos were poached in South Africa during the first six months of the year - 83 more than in the first half of 2020.
The situation is only getting worse as rhino numbers dwindle.
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Researchers have come up with a solution - radioactive rhino horns. Sounds like something out of this world.
"South African scientists are studying ways to inject radioactive material into rhino horns to make them easier to detect at border posts, a move to discourage poaching"
Transporting radioactive rhino horns could mean the poachers are charged with anti-terrorism crimes as most countries in the world have measures in place to prevent the movement of nuclear materials, according to Wits University Professor Larkin.
This potential solution makes rhino poaching much riskier and thus will decrease the demand.
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Many parties around the world are interested in this new tactic.
This measure could help protect what remains of the rhino population in the country and hopefully allow them to recover in the future.
There are 11,000 radiation detectors installed at ports and airports around the world, therefore this solution would be effected in catching poachers.
Professor Larkin shares: "Two rhinos have already been injected with a non-radioactive isotope to ensure the material will not travel into their bodies or cause health problems for the animals or humans."
Stay tuned for more on the action taken against rhino poaching in South Africa.
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