South African researchers have developed a technology that injects radioactive material into rhino horns to combat poaching.

The Rhisotope project, initiated by the University of the Witwatersrand, uses radioactive substances to make rhino horns detectable at customs points, thus discouraging illegal trafficking. At a cost of about $290,000, the project was developed in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency and has proven the method to be safe for the animals. Following the pilot study, 20 rhinos have been treated and the technology promises to significantly reduce poaching while protecting wildlife.