大象传媒

Researchers in South Africa are testing a method of injecting rhino horns with radioactive material. The programme, backed by Russia鈥檚 Rosatom Corporation, is aimed at making the horns easier to detect at airports - thus deterring poachers and smugglers. Scientists also believe it would put off customers in Asia who buy and consume the rhino horn - often as an ingredient in traditional medicines.

The process does not harm the animals in any way, and researchers hope in future a similar process could be used to deter the poaching of other animals.

Professor James Larkin is Director of the Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

(Photo: Prof James Larkin injecting stable isotopes into horn of Denver the rhino. Credit: Jessica Shuttleworth)