Meet Ronin, the landmine-sniffing rat who’s making a difference by becoming the first rodent to uncover over 100 mines and other deadly war remnants.
Six years ago, Ronin, a five-year-old African giant pouched rat, began his journey as a landmine-sniffer. Since then, he has made history by becoming the first rodent to uncover more than 100 mines and other deadly war remnants.
Training for a Heroic Task
Apopo, a non-profit organization that trains rats like Ronin, is a testament to their dedication. The rats are trained to sniff out chemicals found in landmines and other weapons abandoned on battlefields. Their small size makes them safe from detonation, allowing them to complete their task without putting themselves or others at risk.
Rats: A Game-Changer in Demining
Apopo’s HeroRATS program has been clearing landmines since 1997, with Ronin joining the ranks in 2021. With their incredible speed and accuracy, rats can check an area the size of a tennis court in about 30 minutes, while a human with a metal detector might take four days to clear the same land. This technology not only saves lives but also helps detect tuberculosis, an infectious disease that commonly affects the lungs, much faster than conventional methods.
Apopo HeroRATs are a team of trained rats used for landmine detection in post-conflict countries.
These rodents are taught to sniff out explosives and indicate their presence by touching a target with their nose.
With their keen sense of smell, 'sniffing out explosives', HeroRATs can detect landmines more efficiently than traditional methods.
Since 2005, Apopo has deployed over 70 HeroRATs in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Laos, clearing thousands of landmines and saving countless lives.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Ronin’s achievement surpasses the previous record held by Magawa, who sniffed out 71 mines and was awarded a gold medal for his heroism in ‘2020’. With Ronin’s help, Apopo has cleared over 52,000 landmines in Cambodia alone, bringing hope to communities affected by war.
A Long Road to Clearance
Despite the progress made, there are still an estimated four to six million landmines and other explosives buried in Cambodia. The Landmine Monitor estimates that it will take years of effort from organizations like Apopo to clear these remaining mines and ensure a safer future for those living in affected areas.
A New Generation of Heroes
Apopo currently has 104 rodent recruits, or HeroRATS, working together with Ronin to make a difference. As the organization continues its vital work, it’s clear that rats like Ronin are playing a crucial role in reclaiming land and bringing hope to communities around the world.
