South African scientists have launched the Rhisotope Project, injecting rhino horns with a harmless radioactive material to deter poaching. The initiative, a collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency, allows customs officials to easily detect smuggled horns globally. The project, following six years of research and testing on 20 rhinos, aims to protect South Africa's large rhino population, which suffers hundreds of poaching incidents annually. The radioactive tracer remains detectable even within large shipping containers.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.