Radioactive rhinos: conservationists try new anti-poaching trick

South African conservationists have begun implanting radioactive pellets into the horns of white rhinos in an effort to curb the illegal rhino horn trade. James Larkin, the leader of the project, says the £1,000 pellet is cheaper and less damaging than other anti-poaching measures such as removing the horn. The project takes advantage of the global nuclear surveillance system. Sensors installed at border posts will now be able detect the horns’ radiation and alert the authorities. White rhino poaching has been on the rise in the country since 2020 due to pandemic-related funding cuts – 500 were killed in 2023. The population has made a miraculous recovery since the early 20th century when just 50 remained in the wild, but the 16,000 strong population remains endangered. Larkin hopes the technology can be used for other poached animals like pangolins and elephants.