Belgium’s nonprofit Apopo announced Friday that a rat in a bag of African giants was awarded the record book in the record book.
The mouse named Ronin is known as Apobo’s most successful mine detection rat. The Guinness World Record also recognized him.
Apopo said that since August 2021, Ronin has discovered 109 mines and 15 unexploded ordnance. The nonprofit said the recorded rodents are expected to be tested for another two years or more.
“Ronin’s achievements prove the incredible potential of positively enhancing training. He is not only an asset; he is a significant partner and colleague,” Ronin’s manager Phanny said in an Apopo press release.
Maria Anna Cannava Sacardo meal
Previous records were from African Giant Bag Rat MagazineOver the course of five years, they found 71 mines and 38 unexploded ordnance.
Apopo has been engaged in the mining detection of rats for more than 25 years. Ronin was trained by clicker, and the mouse learned to associate the sound of the click with enjoyment to motivate him to learn how to smell explosives. He also received training to work systematically in grid mode and to indicate mines by scratching the ground. Apopo said Ronin and the rat worked about 30 minutes a day. When they reach a certain age, they are transferred to the retirement community and remain under Apopo’s care. Magawa is a former recorder, Retired in 2021 and Died in 2022.
In Cambodia, uninterrupted mines and ordnance are a huge problem. Decades of conflict According to a 2024 report from mine monitors, up to 6 million unexploded ammunition can explode in the country’s soil. According to the Mine Monitor, the buried bombs have killed about 20,000 people and injured 45,000 people since 1979. Efforts have been underway for decades, including the work done by Ronin and other Apopo rats. According to the mine monitor, in 2023, Cambodia had only 32 casualties involving landmines. This location does not distinguish between damage and death when referring to damage.
Apopo’s efforts are not limited to Cambodia. Nonprofit estimates that approximately 110 million U.S. landmines have been buried in 60 countries. In 2023, there were 1,431 cases related to these deaths Landmines. The agency said it continues to work to remove mines and unexploded ordnance from the world.
“When we launched Apopo, it was common to see that it would take about 500 years to clear all surfaces from the ground,” said Christine Cox, CEO of Apopo. “In 25 years, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and if the international community fully supports the cooperation of all Demining operators, we can clear the rest of our minefields in our lives.”
