South African wildlife conservationists have developed an anti-poaching initiative. Global positioning system microchips are inserted into the dead part of rhinoceros' horns to help stop the illegal hunting of this endangered species. Five rhinos received the GPS chip for rangers to monitor the rhinos' movements continuously. These rhinos are further protected with an alarm system that alerts rangers to attacks. For instance, the alarm signals if the rhino is immobile for longer than six hours, starts running or leaves the game park.
In doing so, local conservation officials have made concerted efforts against poaching during a year when more than 200 rhinos have been illegally killed. Rhinos are hunted for their horns, which are mostly transported to Southeast Asia. One of their most common uses is as a prized ingredient in various traditional Chinese remedies.
Conservationists will continue to implement the program by tagging more animals in the upcoming weeks. In the future, they hope to be able to track rhino horns being transported abroad.
-compiled by Jennifer Tran
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