The project, known as "Rhisotope," is designed to address the rampant poaching crisis that has plagued the country, fueled by the demand for rhino horns in traditional medicine in Asia.

Led by James Larkin, director of the University of the Witwatersrand's radiation and health physics unit, the team administered tiny radioactive chips into the horns of the rhinos. The radioactive material renders the horns useless and essentially poisonous for human consumption, according to Nithaya Chetty, professor and dean of science at the university. Importantly, the low dose of radiation does not harm the animals or the environment.

A total of twenty live rhinos will be part of the pilot project. The injected horns will be strong enough to trigger radiation detectors installed at international border posts originally established to thwart nuclear terrorism. Border agents, equipped with handheld radiation detectors, will be able to pick up any contraband, including the radioactively contaminated rhino horns.

Previous attempts to deter poachers, such as dehorning rhinos or poisoning their horns, have proven ineffective, stated Arrie Van Deventer, the orphanage's founder. With the "Rhisotope" project, the team hopes to provide a long-term solution for protecting the rhinos. The radioactive material is expected to last for five years, making it a more cost-effective method than frequent dehorning every 18 months when the horns naturally regrow.

According to estimates by the international Rhino foundation, South Africa is home to approximately 15,000 rhinos. The high demand for rhino horns in certain parts of Asia has fueled a lucrative illegal market, with horns being touted for their unverified medicinal properties. At one point, rhino horns were even more expensive than cocaine in Vietnam.

Efforts to combat poaching have included relocating rhinos to different parts of Africa to keep them out of poachers' reach and safely removing their horns. However, the surge in rhino poaching during the coronavirus pandemic, due to funding shortages and security gaps in conservation areas, highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches like the "Rhisotope" project.

In recent news, Indonesian authorities announced the arrest of six poaching suspects accused of killing critically endangered Javan rhinos to obtain their horns. Last year, a Malaysian man, known as the "Godfather," was sentenced to prison for selling black and white rhino horns to an undercover source in the United States.

As the "Rhisotope" project progresses, the team will ensure the well-being of the rhinos through proper scientific and ethical protocols. Follow-up blood samples will be taken to verify the effectiveness of the rhinos' protection.

By leveraging technology and scientific innovation, South Africa's scientists hope to turn the tide against poachers and safeguard the endangered rhino population. The injection of radioactive material into live rhino horns marks a significant step towards preserving these magnificent creatures for future generations.