Nuclear Material in Rhino Horns. Are Poachers Helpless?

It all starts with an unusual collaboration between veterinarians and nuclear experts who first capture a rhino and then, after drilling a small hole in its corner, they introduce nuclear material there. Where did this idea come from? The solution is to help fight poachers, and ultimately, lead to a complete stop to their activities not only among these animals, but also, for example, elephants.

Low effectiveness?

The whole thing is based on solutions based on… border controls. There is a radiation monitoring network that was designed to prevent nuclear terrorism – indicates ABC News. This is the tool that would detect corners where a radioactive isotope has been left. The authors of the study see this as attempts to break away from the established patterns in the fight against poachers and traffickers. Especially since there is something to fight for.

The rhino population is still about a hundred years ago it was said to have amounted to as much as half a million specimens. Currently, there are only 27,000, of which about 16,000 (almost 2/3) live in South Africa. As researchers point out, it is now clear that smuggling of extremely valuable rhino horns on the black market is increasing again after the coronavirus pandemic. The solution used by the South African scientists, however, does not inspire confidence among all commentators from the industry. They believe that this solution will not deter poachers because Traditional border crossings are often bypassed when smuggling. The authors themselves, however, assure us that the innovative method is safe for rhinos, because the radioactive dose of the isotope is very low and its the potential negative impact on the animal has been thoroughly tested.