Rhino horns turned radioactive to fight poachers in South Africa

The South African government has implemented a new strategy to combat rhino poaching by injecting rhino horns with radioactive tracers. This innovative approach aims to deter poachers and facilitate the identification of illegally traded horns. The scheme involves injecting a non-toxic, radioactive substance into the horns of live rhinos, making them detectable at border crossings and other checkpoints. This tactic is expected to disrupt the illegal trade, as poachers may be deterred from targeting these horns, and authorities can more easily track the movement of the horns. The project is part of a broader effort to protect South Africa's rhino population, which has been heavily targeted by poachers due to the high demand for rhino horn in some Asian markets. The government, conservation groups, and communities are working together to implement a multifaceted approach to tackle this pressing issue.