About
How We Got Started
The Rhisotope Project was initiated in January 2021 and is being developed at the University of Witwatersrand’s Radiation and Health Physics Unit (RHPU). The Rhisotope Project – a Wits Iconic Centenary Project seeks to take a wholly different and innovative approach to address the issue of the illicit wildlife trafficking of various endangered species of fauna and flora.
The intention is to use nuclear technology in the form of small, measured quantities of radioisotopes and insert these into the horns of rhinoceros. At a later stage, the work will expand into elephants, pangolins and other fauna and flora.
The development and application of this nuclear technology therefore has the capacity to help deter poaching, increase detection capabilities of smuggled horns and consignments of items globally, increase prosecution success under terrorism laws with harsher penalties, reveal smuggling routes and deter end-user markets.
Our Mission
The mission of The Rhisotope Project is to research, develop and implement nuclear technology in conservation practices – one that uses nuclear science, education, and social upliftment to present a unified solution addressing the illicit trade and trafficking of wildlife products.
The powerful combination of science and philanthropy means that while using nuclear science techniques to devalue and track illegally taken wildlife goods, we will use the equally powerful tool of education and social upliftment to empower people local and communities.
It should be noted that a special focus will be brought toward girls and women, who are often the backbone of rural communities in remote areas where endangered species are found and are the greatest components of success in changing the hearts and minds of local communities – creating rhino ambassadors and champions.
Our Programs
The Rhisotope Project, with the support of our collaborators and sponsors, will implement powerful training, social upliftment programmes and educational campaigns to run concurrently with the scientific aspects of the project to align ourselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals.