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South Africa, which shelters the world’s largest rhino population, has lost over 10,000 rhinos in the last decade to poaching driven by the illegal horn trade in Asian markets. To counter this crisis, the University of the Witwatersrand, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has launched the Rhisotope Project (2024) — a novel initiative using radioactive isotopes to protect rhinos.

What is the Rhisotope Project?

• A non-invasive procedure where rhino horns are injected with low doses of radioisotopes.
• The process is harmless to rhinos but makes horns:
  • Detectable through Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) and scanners at borders, ports, and airports — even in sealed shipping containers.
  • Toxic and unfit for human use, reducing demand in illegal trade.
• Pilot studies (2024–25):
  • 20 rhinos in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve were treated.
  • Tests by Ghent University (Belgium) showed no cellular damage or health impact.
  • 3D-printed horns used in trials confirmed detectability in container loads.

Why Radioisotopes?

• Radioisotopes are unstable forms of elements that emit ionising radiation (alpha, beta, gamma) to achieve stability.
• They are easily traceable with nuclear detection systems.
• Already widely used in medicine (I-131 for thyroid, Tc-99m for imaging), archaeology (C-14 dating), and industry.

The Scale of the Crisis

• Global rhino numbers: Declined from ~5,00,000 in the early 20th century to ~27,000 today (IUCN).
• South Africa: Lost 103 rhinos to poaching in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
• Conventional measures like dehorning reduce poaching but disrupt rhino social behaviour and habitat use. The Rhisotope Project offers a less disruptive alternative.

Broader Conservation Significance

• If successful, the method could be extended to other endangered species like elephants and pangolins.
• It represents an international collaboration that combines nuclear science with wildlife conservation, redefining the role of technology in biodiversity protection.

Threats Beyond Poaching

• Invasive species: Plants like Parthenium threaten habitats (e.g., Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the densest one-horned rhino population).
• Climate change: Intensified droughts and monsoons push rhinos into human-dominated landscapes, increasing conflicts.
• Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human settlement.

Rhino Conservation Initiatives

• Global/Regional:
  • New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos (2019)
  • DNA Profiling of all Rhinos for tracking and protection
• India-specific:
  • National Rhino Conservation Strategy
  • Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (for Assam’s one-horned rhinos)

About the IAEA

• Established in 1957 as the UN’s “Atoms for Peace”organisation.
• Promotes peaceful applications of nuclear technology while preventing misuse for weapons.
• 178 member states; India is a founding member.
• Awarded the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize for contributions to nuclear safety and disarmament.
• HQ: Vienna, Austria. Reports to both UNGA and UNSC.