Posted 10.21.2010 at 5:17 pm
6 Comments
Rhinos' Horns Provide More Protection Than Ever, Thanks To GPS
spbutterworth on Flickr
Five South African rhinos have been outfitted with an extra layer of defense against poachers, thanks to a GPS chip implanted in their horns. The chips are inserted into a small hole drilled into the dead portion of the horn. Currently being tested in Mafikeng Game Reserve, the devices are connected to a cell phone system that allows game wardens to monitor the animals constantly and remotely.
Different alarms can also be programmed into the device, sending alerts if the rhino begins running, if it leaves the reserve, or if it sleeps for an abnormally long time. If such an alarm goes off, park employees can track the rhino with GPS and find it quickly. There are plans to tag more animals in other nearby parks in the next few weeks.
Poaching is still a huge threat for South African rhinos, more than 200 of which have been killed this year for their horns, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. This system could help not only to keep the animals safe, but to potentially track stolen horns and help shut down their trade.
[BBC]
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GPS...its a great thing. I especially hope that they catch poachers, it'll put fear into the hearts of poachers around the world.
I doubt this can do the rhino much good. After all, the rhino is already dead by the time the poacher makes off with its horn. Maybe the horn should be booby-trapped so when it's cut off it explodes and takes out the poacher. That would send a message and eventually eliminate the problem.
The idea here is deterrence, silly. That's like saying that radio sensor tags in stores don't help, because by the time the alarm goes off, you've already stolen the sweater. = )
I heard about this on BBC Radio, but the explanation here makes more sense. I like that they're capable of tracking different activity patterns. It seems like this could have a very serious psychological effect on poachers, as well as providing great information for finding them. They'd have some other uses, too, it seems, if they can track general movement patterns.
They should use two chips, one in the Rhino and one in the horn. Then if they are separated, they can get a head start on the poachers.
@manhunter098 - that's a good idea. I like that. We need to find a way to kill the market. So sad what they do. Or just farm rhinos. Flood the market making them worthless for their horns.
Put cyanide in the horn just enough to make the bastards sick - let them choke on it. And as far as the poachers, the policy should be shoot on sight.