Scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in South Africa have used a new method to protect rhinos from illegal hunting by injecting a radioactive compound into their horns. According to the official, this will prevent poachers from shooting the animals for horn materials. Web site scientific institution.
South Africa has the largest rhino population in the world – about 15 thousand individuals live on the territory of the state.
This attracts poachers because the value of rhino horn on the black market is comparable to cocaine or gold. These parts of the animal are in demand in Asia, where they are used in traditional medicine.
Despite the African government’s efforts to protect rhinos, 499 animals were illegally killed in South African national parks in 2023, an 11% increase compared to 2022.
According to the authors of the Rhisotop project, radioactive substances when consumed will render the horns unusable or even dangerous to humans. At the same time, the dose of radionuclides is kept low enough to not harm the animal or the environment.
Additionally, the radioactive tag will make it impossible to transport such horns through border control points, as it will be detected by sensors installed to prevent the smuggling of nuclear material.
As part of the project, researchers plan to inject radiation sources into 20 rhinos. The researchers noted that a dose of radionuclide would protect the animal from poachers for five years, whereas rhinos today have to cut their horns every 18 months for the same purpose.
Previous scientists statedHe said they found a way to save the northern white rhinoceros, which is about to become extinct.
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Source: Gazeta
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