Ronin the rat uncovers over 100 landmines in record-breaking effort

In Cambodia, a significant advancement in landmine detection has been achieved by Ronin, a five-year-old giant African pouched rat. Deployed in August 2021, Ronin has successfully uncovered a total of 109 landmines and 15 pieces of unexploded ordnance. This feat was accomplished in the northern Preah Vihear province, a region still heavily affected by remnants of civil conflict. Ronin's achievements have earned him recognition by the Guinness World Records, highlighting the important role these trained rodents play in humanitarian demining efforts. The background of the work conducted by Ronin is rooted in severe challenges faced by Cambodia, a country still littered with millions of unexploded landmines from decades of conflict. The situation, which has led to approximately 20,000 deaths and significant injuries since 1979, remains dire, as estimates suggest that four to six million landmines are still concealed beneath the surface. Organizations such as APOPO, the Belgian non-profit that trains these HeroRATS, aim to mitigate the danger posed by these remnants of warfare. Ronin's exceptional detecting capabilities stem from meticulous training that includes positive reinforcement techniques. APOPO has successfully utilized rodents like Ronin for over 25 years, focusing on their unique skills to enhance demining productivity. Trained to detect TNT and other explosive substances, the rats can search an area equivalent to the size of a tennis court in just 30 minutes. This efficiency dramatically contrasts with traditional demining methods that may take days to achieve the same results. Additionally, the rats' lightweight frame ensures that they do not trigger landmines, making them invaluable assets for clearing dangerous areas. As Ronin continues his mission, he stands as a beacon of hope amid ongoing efforts to secure the safety of communities affected by landmines. The previous record for landmine detection was held by another African pouched rat, Magawa, who found 71 landmines over five years and died in 2022. Thanks to individuals like Ronin, there is optimism for long-term demining goals in Cambodia, which aims to become a mine-free nation. Current challenges include delayed timelines due to funding issues and new unexploded ordnance discoveries, which have complicated the journey toward a safer future for the country’s residents.