Could this be the future of anti-poaching techniques? In South Africa, researchers from the University of Witwatersrand initiated a nuclear-based approach, that could help drastically reduce the poaching of rhinos.
By introduicing harmless amounts of radioactive isotopes into their horns, researchers aim to make them more detectable when crossing international borders, which should decrease their demand on the market. It came from a discussion with friends about two, two and a half years ago. We were looking at other ways, some people had tried to put poison into horns, others tried dye, Those haven t worked very well. So someone said, why don t we try putting radioactive materials into those? Prof. James Larkin, Director of the Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand told Euronews.
Nuclear Science Utilized To Protect The African Rhino iafrica.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from iafrica.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
May 21, 2021 02:42 AM EDT
(Photo : Frans Van Heerden)
The University of Witwatersrand (WITs) initiated the project, which is being carried out in partnership with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Colorado State University (USA), ROSATOM (Russian Federation), and the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (Necsa), as well as international scientists, researchers, South African rhino owners, and veterinary experts.
Rosatom, the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation, is a major sponsor and collaborator of this groundbreaking international technology cooperation between universities and nuclear organizations. The project was officially launched at the glorious Buffalo Kloof Private Game Reserve, a key partner in the project.
On May 13th the innovative anti-poaching “Rhisotope Project” was launched. The project which is based on nuclear science, has the potential to drastically
Harmless Stable Isotopes in Horn to Prevent Poaching of African Rhinos
A global collaborative and innovative project using nuclear science to prevent/reduce rhinoceros poaching has been launched recently in which Russia s integrated nuclear power player Rosatom a key partner.
Chennai:
Prevent Poaching of Rhinos: A global collaborative and innovative project using nuclear science to prevent/reduce rhinoceros poaching has been launched recently in which Russia s integrated nuclear power player Rosatom a key partner. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) is also a partner.
According to Russia s integrated nuclear power company Rosatom, the anti-poaching Rhisotope Project was initiated by the University of Witwatersrand (WIT) and is being implemented under a global collaboration with Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO), Colorado State University (USA), Rosatom (Russian Federation) and the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Afric