Rhisotope Project

• 28 Jun 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, South African scientists injected radioactive material into live rhinoceros horns to make them easier to detect at border posts in a pioneering project aimed at curbing poaching.

What is the Rhisotope Project?

• About:
  • The Rhisotope Project commenced in 2021 and involves administering measured quantities of radioisotopes into the horns of live rhinos.
  • Under the project "two tiny little radioactive chips" were inserted into the horn of a rhinoceros. 
    • The radioisotopes make the horn "useless" and "poisonous for human consumption."
    • The project's final phase includes aftercare and follow-up blood samples to ensure the animals are protected, with the radioactive material lasting five years on the horn, proving more cost-effective than dehorning every 18 months.
  • This project aims to use nuclear science in a novel way for conservation.
  • This non-lethal yet powerful solution aims to radically reduce the demand from end-users and save rhinos from the very real threat of extinction.
• Impact: 
  • The procedure, performed on sedated rhinoceroses, is safe for the animals, with a radiation dose low enough not to affect their health or the environment.
  • Radioactively treated horns are more likely to be detected at international borders, making it more likely that smuggling syndicates are exposed, prosecuted and convicted under anti-terrorism laws.
• Need: 
  • Rhinoceros horns are highly valuable on black markets, with prices comparable to gold and cocaine.
  • Previous anti-poaching strategies like dehorning and poisoning horns have failed to deter poachers.
  • Despite government efforts, 499 rhinoceroses were killed in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, primarily in state-run parks.

Legal Frameworks for Wildlife Conservation

• Global Wildlife Conservation Efforts to which India is a Party:

  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

  • Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

  • The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC)

  • United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

  • Global Tiger Forum (GTF)

• Domestic Framework:

  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

  • Environment Protection Act, 1986

  • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002

• Conservation Efforts Specifically for Rhinos:

  • New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos

  • DNA Profiles of all Rhinos

  • National Rhino Conservation Strategy
  • Indian Rhino Vision 2020
  • Translocation: Rhino translocations to Manas National Park set for the beginning of 2023 were rescheduled for 2024 while security measures were reinforced after a poached rhino was discovered in January.
  • Rhino Corridor: In 2022, the Assam government finalized the addition of approximately 200 sq km to Orang National Park in north-central Assam, more than doubling the size of this protected area and key rhino habitat.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC): (2017)

1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)

1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)