In a bold and innovative move to combat the relentless poaching crisis, South African scientists have launched a groundbreaking anti-poaching campaign that involves injecting rhino horns with radioactive isotopes. This initiative, spearheaded by researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand, promises to revolutionize efforts to protect one of Africa's most iconic and threatened species.
The campaign, officially unveiled on July 31, 2025, is the culmination of six years of dedicated research and testing under the Rhisotope Project. The project, which cost approximately £220,000 ($290,000), has involved close collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear energy officials, and conservationists. The radioactive material used in the injections is completely safe for the rhinos, a fact confirmed by extensive pilot studies involving 20 animals at a sanctuary last year.
Professor James Larkin, chief scientific officer of the Rhisotope Project, emphasized the urgency of the situation: "At least one animal a day is still being poached," he told the BBC. "I think the figures are only going to go one way if we don't watch out.... this is a significant tool to help reduce the numbers of poaching, because we're proactive rather than being reactive." He further explained that even a single horn injected with the radioactive isotope — at levels significantly lower than those planned for widespread use — successfully triggered alarms in radiation detectors. This detection capability extends to full 40-foot (six-metre) shipping containers, meaning smuggled horns can be identified even when hidden among large shipments.
The Rhisotope Project's launch saw five rhinos injected on the very first day, with the university hopeful that this will lead to the mass inoculation of South Africa's declining rhino population. South Africa, home to the world's largest rhino population—estimated at around 16,000—has been grappling with high poaching rates, with roughly 500 rhinos killed annually for their horns. These horns are highly sought after in Asian markets, where they serve both as traditional medicine and status symbols.
Jessica Babich, head of the Rhisotope Project, articulated the broader vision behind the campaign: "Our goal is to deploy the Rhisotope technology at scale to help protect one of Africa's most iconic and threatened species. By doing so, we safeguard not just rhinos but a vital part of our natural heritage." She stressed that this technology could become a critical tool in disrupting illegal wildlife trade networks by enabling customs officers worldwide to detect smuggled rhino horns more effectively.
Jamie Joseph, a prominent South African rhino campaigner and director of the Saving the Wild charity, praised the initiative as "innovative and much needed." However, she also cautioned that it is not a silver bullet. "It's not the endgame—only better legislation and political will can bring an end to the rhino crisis. But it will certainly help disrupt the flow of horns leaving the country and help experts better map out the illegal channels by providing reliable data," Joseph told the BBC.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) paints a sobering picture of the rhino's plight. From a global population of approximately 500,000 at the dawn of the 20th century, numbers have plummeted to around 27,000 today due to persistent demand for rhino horn on the black market. White rhinos are currently classified as threatened, while black rhinos face a more dire status of being critically endangered.
Given the gravity of the situation, private and public rhino owners, as well as conservation authorities, have been encouraged to approach the University of the Witwatersrand to have their rhinos injected. The campaign's success depends on widespread adoption, as the radioactive marking of horns will enable customs officials worldwide to identify illicit shipments swiftly, thereby deterring poachers and traffickers.
South Africa's commitment to this scientific approach reflects a proactive stance in wildlife conservation, moving beyond reactive measures that have often fallen short. The Rhisotope Project exemplifies how cutting-edge science can be harnessed to tackle age-old problems, blending nuclear technology with ecological preservation.
As the campaign gains momentum, it offers a glimmer of hope that the tide might finally turn for rhinos, whose majestic presence has long symbolized the wild heart of Africa. While challenges remain—especially in ensuring political will and robust legislation—the integration of radioactive isotope technology into anti-poaching efforts marks a significant stride forward.
In the face of ongoing threats, this initiative underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in conservation. By making rhino horns traceable and detectable across international borders, the Rhisotope Project provides law enforcement agencies with a powerful new weapon in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
The coming months and years will test the project's scalability and impact. Still, the message is clear: protecting rhinos requires a multifaceted approach where science, policy, and community engagement converge. The Rhisotope Project is a promising beacon in this endeavor, aiming to secure a future where rhinos roam freely, no longer shadowed by the specter of poaching.
