62 ~In June last year, radioisotopes were introduced as an experiment with 20 rhinos. Nuclear security infrastructure will help protect rare rhinos from poachers The climate and environment in the framework of the fight against illegal trade in wild animals under the threat of disappearance, the University of Vitvatersrand in South Africa began to implement the innovative project supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The project provides for the safe introduction of radioactive isotopes into the horns of rhinos and the use of existing nuclear safety infrastructure to identify poaching and smuggling. Over the past decade, more than 10 thousand rhinos have died as a result of the activities of poachers, and South Africa, where their largest population lives, has an active struggle with criminals involved in the illegal trade of rhinos. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of South Africa reported 103 cases of poaching. ~ 60 >~ 60 > after two years of initial tests the university of Vitvatersrand launched the Rhisotope project, within which the horns of the rhinestones are marked with radioactive material. This allows you to detect horns using radiation monitors, which are already installed on borders, in ports and airports around the world. These devices, usually used to identify nuclear and other radioactive materials, can now be involved in the fight against crimes against wildlife. ~ 60 >“The Rhisotope project shows how nuclear science and nuclear security infrastructure can be used in a new way to solve global problems,” said Magate Director General Rafael Mariano Grossy. – Magate helps countries maximally use the advantages of nuclear energy. Based on the already established nuclear safety infrastructure, we can help protect one of the most iconic endangered species in the world. ” ~ 60 > last June of the Radioisotopes, 20 rhinos were introduced as an experiment. Monitoring of health and cytological studies were conducted by the Professional University in Belgium. The testing results have proved that the method is non -invasive and does not pose a danger to the health of rhinos. ~ 60 > “it was international cooperation of like -minded people who are trying to really change the situation with poaching,” said James Larkin, director of the department of radiation and medical physics of the University of Vitvaterstranda. – After two years of digital modeling, testing for safety and detection simulations, we are ready to introduce a solution that can reduce the scale of poaching. ”~ 60 > 60 > 62 ~ success of the project also opens up opportunities for the future use of nuclear technologies to other disappearing types. “This methodology, in particular, can be adapted to protect elephants and pangolins,” said Larkin.