Daily Current Affairs : 29-June-2024
Rhino poaching is a major issue in South Africa, where these animals are killed for their valuable horns. The horns are in high demand, particularly in black markets, where they are sold for prices that rival gold and cocaine. To combat this problem, South African scientists have developed an innovative solution—making rhino horns radioactive. This project, called the Rhisotope Project, aims to deter poaching by making the horns poisonous and difficult to sell.
About the Rhisotope Project
The Rhisotope Project was launched in 2021 by Professor James Larkin. The idea is to insert small quantities of radioactive material into the horns of live rhinos. This method is safe for the animals and does not harm their health or the environment. The key goals of the project are:
- Making the horns “useless” for poachers: The radioactive chips embedded in the horn render it dangerous and undesirable for human consumption.
- Detecting horns at borders: Radioactive horns are easier to detect at international borders, helping authorities track and stop illegal trade.
- Long-term solution: The radioactive material lasts for up to five years, making it a cost-effective alternative to the previous practice of dehorning rhinos every 18 months.
The Procedure and Safety Measures
- The procedure involves sedating rhinos to carefully insert two tiny radioactive chips into each horn.
- The chips are small and deliver a very low dose of radiation, so they do not affect the health of the rhino.
- Follow-up care includes taking blood samples to ensure the animal is not harmed by the treatment.
Why It’s Needed
Rhino horns are extremely valuable on the black market, making rhinos a prime target for poachers. Traditional anti-poaching methods, such as dehorning and poisoning the horns, have not been effective in stopping the illegal trade. The Rhisotope Project offers a safer, more efficient solution that not only protects rhinos but also increases the chances of catching criminals involved in smuggling.
Important Points:
Rhino Poaching Problem: Rhino horns are highly valuable on the black market, driving poaching in South Africa.Rhisotope Project: Launched in 2021 by Professor James Larkin, the project embeds radioactive chips into rhino horns to deter poaching.Goal of the Project:
- Make rhino horns “useless” and poisonous for human consumption.
- Increase detection of smuggled horns at international borders.
- Provide a long-term, cost-effective alternative to dehorning rhinos every 18 months.
Procedure and Safety:
- Rhinos are sedated for the procedure to safely insert small radioactive chips.
- The radiation dose is low and harmless to the rhinos’ health and the environment.
- Follow-up care ensures the safety and well-being of the rhinos.
Effectiveness:
- Radioactive horns are easier to detect at borders, improving the chances of catching smugglers.
- The project is seen as a more effective solution than previous methods like dehorning and poisoning.
Long-Term Impact: The radioactive material lasts up to five years, making it a sustainable way to reduce rhino poaching.Conservation Efforts: The Rhisotope Project could play a key role in preserving rhino populations for future generations.
Why In News
South African scientists make rhino horns radioactive to curb poaching, using an innovative approach that embeds radioactive chips into the horns to make them toxic and undesirable for illegal trade, while also improving detection at international borders to catch poachers and smugglers.
MCQs about Innovative Solution to Rhino Poaching:Making Horns Radioactive
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What is the primary goal of the Rhisotope Project?
A. To increase the rhino population in South Africa
B. To make rhino horns radioactive and poisonous to deter poaching
C. To develop a new type of rhino horn for medicinal purposes
D. To relocate rhinos to safer locations
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What method is used to insert radioactive material into rhino horns?
A. The rhinos are euthanized for the procedure
B. The rhinos are sedated while the chips are inserted into their horns
C. The horns are harvested and treated in a lab
D. The radioactive material is injected directly into the rhino’s bloodstream
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How long does the radioactive material last in the rhino horns?
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
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What is one of the key advantages of using radioactive chips in rhino horns?
A. They increase the value of the rhino horns on the black market
B. They make the horns easier to detect at international borders
C. They prevent rhinos from being poached entirely
D. They help rhinos grow stronger horns
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