What in the World - A rhino swinging from the sky? A secretly radioactive horn?

Download A rhino swinging from the sky? A secretly radioactive horn?

Rhinos are at extreme risk of extinction because of poaching and habitat loss. The work of conservationists has made sure that their numbers have continued to rise, but poaching is still a major threat to their existence. Most of the global rhino population lives in South Africa, where the government has taken big steps to prevent the killings, but recent data shows criminal poachers are still targeting the animal

So scientists are getting experimental with how to protect them!

We hear from the BBC Africa’s Ayanda Charlie who has speaking to scientists in South Africa coming up with ways to prevent poaching, including using radioactive material in horns as a deterrent.

Plus, we get the story behind why there’s videos of rhinos hanging upside down from helicopters. Riley Farrell from BBC Future tells us about how choppers are being used in rhino conservation.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Friday, 4th April 2025.

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