In an incredible feat, Ronin, a five-year-old African giant pouched rat, has earned the title of the first rodent to detect over 100 landmines and unexploded ordnance, significantly impacting land reclamation efforts in Cambodia.
Ronin the Rat Makes History: Sniffs Out Over 100 Landmines
Ronin the Rat Makes History: Sniffs Out Over 100 Landmines
Meet Ronin, the record-setting landmine-detecting hero transforming Cambodia's landscape.
Recent reports reveal that Ronin has successfully uncovered 109 landmines and 15 pieces of unexploded ordnance since his training began in 2021, according to the charity Apopo, which is dedicated to training animals for humanitarian purposes. This achievement is particularly crucial in Cambodia, a nation still burdened by millions of unexploded munitions leftover from two decades of civil conflict that concluded in 1998.
The African giant pouched rat’s contributions have been recognized by the Guinness World Records, who emphasized Ronin's critical role in alleviating the dangers faced by civilians, reminding us all of the constant threat of landmines in everyday life. Apopo, whose headquarters is based in Tanzania, currently employs a workforce of 104 HeroRATS, specially trained to detect chemicals linked to landmines and unexploded artillery. These nimble creatures possess a unique advantage: they are light enough to avoid triggering mines, allowing them to operate in hazardous areas more safely than humans with metal detectors, who take significantly longer to clear the same land.
With just 30 minutes, Ronin can survey an area the size of a tennis court, showcasing the efficiency of the HeroRATS in humanitarian demining efforts. Beyond detecting landmines, these remarkable rats are also trained to identify tuberculosis, demonstrating their capacity to contribute to public health as well.
Ronin's achievements in the Preah Vihear province have surpassed the previous record held by Magawa, another HeroRAT, who was recognized after uncovering 71 mines in 2020 and honored with a gold medal for his bravery.
Since the inception of Apopo's operations 25 years ago, the organization has successfully cleared a staggering 169,713 landmines and other explosive hazards globally, with over 52,000 of those located in Cambodia alone. Yet, despite these efforts, the Landmine Monitor estimates that the country remains riddled with four to six million undiscovered landmines, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in restoring land for use.
As Ronin continues his important work, the future looks hopeful for Cambodia, paving the way to safer communities.
The African giant pouched rat’s contributions have been recognized by the Guinness World Records, who emphasized Ronin's critical role in alleviating the dangers faced by civilians, reminding us all of the constant threat of landmines in everyday life. Apopo, whose headquarters is based in Tanzania, currently employs a workforce of 104 HeroRATS, specially trained to detect chemicals linked to landmines and unexploded artillery. These nimble creatures possess a unique advantage: they are light enough to avoid triggering mines, allowing them to operate in hazardous areas more safely than humans with metal detectors, who take significantly longer to clear the same land.
With just 30 minutes, Ronin can survey an area the size of a tennis court, showcasing the efficiency of the HeroRATS in humanitarian demining efforts. Beyond detecting landmines, these remarkable rats are also trained to identify tuberculosis, demonstrating their capacity to contribute to public health as well.
Ronin's achievements in the Preah Vihear province have surpassed the previous record held by Magawa, another HeroRAT, who was recognized after uncovering 71 mines in 2020 and honored with a gold medal for his bravery.
Since the inception of Apopo's operations 25 years ago, the organization has successfully cleared a staggering 169,713 landmines and other explosive hazards globally, with over 52,000 of those located in Cambodia alone. Yet, despite these efforts, the Landmine Monitor estimates that the country remains riddled with four to six million undiscovered landmines, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in restoring land for use.
As Ronin continues his important work, the future looks hopeful for Cambodia, paving the way to safer communities.
