In Southern Africa, rhino populations are being processed with radioactive isotopes to combat poaching

• The University of Witwatersrand has launched the Rhisotope project to combat poaching.
• Rhino populations are being processed with radioactive isotopes that are safe for animals.
• This processing may help detect contraband at customs.

On Thursday, September 1, 2025, the University of Witwatersrand in Southern Africa launched a campaign against poaching, which involves processing rhino populations with radioactive isotopes. These isotopes, according to scientists, are safe for animals, but they can be detected by customs agents.

The project, named Rhisotope, involves injecting five rhino species with the aim of expanding this practice to the increasingly diminished population of wildlife. Previously, in 2024, about 20 rhinos underwent a similar procedure as part of trials.

Radioactive isotopes, even at low levels, can be detected by radiation detectors at airports and on borders. This could lead to the arrest of poachers and traffickers.

Scientists from the Department of Radiation and Health Physics at the university confirmed that the radioactive material is not harmful to rhinos. "We have established that the process is absolutely safe for animals and effective for detecting rhinos through border systems," noted James Larkin, the project's lead scientist.

According to the data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global rhino population increased to approximately 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century, but now stands at only about 27,000 due to persistent demand in the black market. In Southern Africa, where the largest number of rhinos survive, nearly 500 animals are killed each year for their horns.

The university has contacted private owners of wildlife parks and national conservation agencies to seek assistance in processing their rhinos.

Tags: Ecology/Research