In order to curb poaching, South African scientists have injected radioactive material into live horns of 20 rhinos. The country is home to a large majority of the world’s rhinos and is a hotspot for poaching. Poachers can get paid a lot of money on the black market for rhino horns. There is a huge demand for these horns in Asia, where they are used in traditional medicine.
When injected with radioactive material, the horns can’t be consumed by humans. A conservationist has called it “the best idea” when it comes to anti-poaching. James Larkin from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, who has been in charge of the project has said that the radioactive dose is still low enough that it does not impact the animal’s health or the environment in any way.