6 minute read
Walking the “TORK” in the groundbreaking Rhisotope Project
In a monumental effort to combat rhino poaching and ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures, Tork Craft has joined forces with Wits University in the innovative Rhisotope Project.
Recognising the urgent need for action to save rhinos, Tork Craft eagerly stepped in to support this pioneering initiative, which aims to use nuclear technology to protect rhino populations. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts, combining cutting-edge science with practical hardware solutions.
Rhinos saving people, People saving Rhinos, Science saving Rhinos
The Rhisotope Project stands for a transformative approach to rhino conservation. Traditional methods such as horn poisoning and removal have proven either ineffective or detrimental to the animals’ well-being. The Rhisotope Project leverages nuclear medicine – a field extensively used in human healthcare – to develop a novel solution for protecting rhinos. Through meticulous computer modelling, the project ensures that the insertion of radioisotopes into rhino horns does not harm the animals.
This innovative method has several key advantages:
Detection at borders: Radioactive scanners at international borders can detect attempts to move radioactive rhino horns.
Deterrence through awareness: Signage at reserves and local education campaigns will inform the public that rhino horns contain radioactive chips, making them worthless. The natural fear of radioactive materials is expected to dissuade potential buyers and reduce demand.
TORK CRAFT’S crucial role
On June 25, media representatives witnessed a historic moment as the Rhisotope Project entered a new testing phase. The procedure involved the insertion of radioisotopes into the horns of 20 live rhinos. This complex process required the use of strong, reliable cordless drills with high-quality drill bits to minimise discomfort for the animals. Tork Craft donated these essential tools, ensuring the procedure was quick and stress-free. Observers noted the efficiency and care with which the rhinos were handled, highlighting the critical role Tork Craft’s equipment played in this groundbreaking endeavour.
Project Implementation And Future Prospects
After three years of dedicated research, the Rhisotope Project team, led by Professor James Larkin from Wits University’s Radiation and Health Physics Unit, successfully inserted low doses of radioisotopes into the rhinos. Over the next six months, the health and vital statistics of these rhinos will be closely monitored to assess the viability of this approach.
The project’s ultimate goal is to use nuclear technology to create long-lasting and detectable horn markers that are safe for the animals and the environment. In the future, this method could be expanded to protect other endangered species such as elephants and pangolins.
The Rhisotope Project is being piloted in the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and aims to utilise the existing global nuclear security infrastructure. This includes over 11 000 radiation detection portal monitors at airports, harbours, and land crossings, and trained personnel equipped with radiation detectors.
The Broader Impact
Professor Larkin emphasises the urgency of this initiative, noting that a rhino is killed for its horn every 20 hours in South Africa. These horns, trafficked globally, fund a wide array of criminal activities. By devaluing rhino horns and making them easier to detect, the Rhisotope Project aims to disrupt this illegal trade.
Starting on June 24, 2024, Professor Larkin and his team carefully sedated the 20 rhinos and drilled small holes into their horns to insert the non-toxic radioisotopes. The animals will be monitored around the clock to ensure their well-being. Extensive research has ensured that the inserted radioisotopes pose no health risks to the rhinos or their caretakers.
The Rhisotope Project demonstrates how crossdisciplinary research and innovation can make a significant impact. Professor Lynn Morris, deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at Wits University, praises the project as an example of research with real-world implications. This initiative not only aims to eradicate the threat of extinction for rhinos but also seeks to educate and uplift local communities, with a special focus on empowering women and girls.
Tork Craft’s involvement in the Rhisotope Project underscores the vital role that industry partnerships play in conservation efforts. By providing the tools needed to implement this innovative solution, Tork Craft is helping to pave the way for a future where rhinos—and potentially other endangered species –can thrive. This collaboration is a testament to the power of combining scientific innovation with practical applications to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
TorkCraft Cordless Drill 20V ID13B
The TorkCraft Cordless Drill is an essential tool designed for flexibility and durability, making it perfect for use in remote and challenging environments. Its powerful 20V battery ensures it delivers reliable performance, whether for drilling, screwdriving, or percussion drilling tasks. The built-in LED work light enhances accuracy by illuminating the work surface, crucial in the field where lighting can be inconsistent.
The brushless motor of the TorkCraft drill offers several advantages:
Improved service life: Ensures longevity and consistent performance in demanding conditions
More torque at lower speed: Provides better control and efficiency, especially in delicate operations
Increased battery performance: Extends operational time, a critical factor when working far from power sources.
Alpen HSS Super Extra Long Drill Bits (5 mm Ø)
For drilling extremely deep holes with precision, the Alpen HSS Super Extra Long drill bits are indispensable. These bits are known for their industrial quality, high accuracy, and precision, making them suitable for the sensitive task of inserting rhisotope markers into rhino horns.
Manufactured in Austria, Alpen drill bits are engineered to deliver:
High efficiency: Ideal for creating deep holes while maintaining cutting speed and feed
Reliability in tough conditions: The bits perform optimally even with the need for frequent chip removal and coolant application
Precision: Ensures accurate and clean holes, which is vital for the correct placement of isotopes in rhino horns.
These tools, with their robust design and advanced features, are instrumental in conservation efforts where working conditions are often unpredictable and challenging.
