Abstract
The illegal poaching of rhinoceros for their horns continues to threaten the survival of the species despite ongoing conservation efforts. As black-market demand grows, poaching and smuggling methods have become more advanced, outpacing the effectiveness of current strategies. In response, the Rhisotope Project proposes a novel deterrent: the implantation of low-activity radioactive sources into rhinoceros’ horns to exploit the public fear of radiation and improve horn detection at borders. This research shows that radioactive horn implantation poses minimal risk to the animals’ health and that the probability of radiation-induced harm is significantly lower than the likelihood of being poached. Measurements collected from 16 white rhinoceroses six months post-implantation revealed no adverse biological effects, and all recorded dose rates remained below deterministic thresholds. These findings support both the safety and feasibility of the approach. Radiation inclusion in the horns could decrease poaching risk, improve seizure rates, and support rhinoceros population survival. This method may also serve as a reference point for safe radiation application in the other four rhinoceros’ species. Additionally, the concept could extend to other endangered fauna and flora. This innovative approach shows the ethical and practical utilization of radiation-based anti-poaching measures, contributing to conservation efforts.
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Data is provided within the manuscript file.
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The authors declare that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the paper. Materials and correspondence will be communicated through Jordan Clark.
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Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the Rhisotope Project team for their trust and collaboration in supporting our efforts to advance their mission. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Rhino Orphanage for providing access to the rhinoceros specimen used in this study. We also thank the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, for their institutional support, and Texas A&M University for their continued guidance and resources throughout this work.
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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
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J.L. initiated the concept of the study. J.L., J.C., and C.M. developed the methodology. J.C. and C.M. conducted data processing and modelling with the support from J.L. and T.J. All authors discussed the results and improved the writing of the paper.
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Clark, J.A., Larkin, J., Marianno, C.M. et al. The Rhisotope project: using radiation for conservation.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-45117-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-45117-9
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