Gambian hamster ratone of the largest rodents on Earth, reaches a length of up to 90 cm. Since 2013, these animals began to be used in Tanzania and Mozambique for mine clearance.
One of these rats, named Magawa, was sent to Cambodia, where she managed to discover 71 mines and 38 explosive devices, for which she was awarded a gold medal by the British charity PDSA.
Currently in Tanzania, rats are trained to detect contraband by having them search among crates and boxes for illicit goods. During training, rodents are rewarded with food for correct finds, such as ivory, animal antlers or rare species. Smugglers try to mask the odors using detergents or coffee beans, but this is not difficult for rats.
Training methods for rats include positive reinforcement, which allows them to quickly learn commands and develop their skills. These rodents have an outstanding sense of smell, making them more effective at searching than many traditional methods such as using dogs or technology. In addition, using rats is a more environmentally friendly method as they do not require complex equipment and can work in hard to reach areas.
The public and local authorities are responding positively to this initiative, seeing it as an opportunity to combat smuggling and protect wildlife. In the future, there are plans to expand the program to use rats in other countries where the smuggling problem is particularly acute. The success of rats like Magawa inspires further research and implementation of this method, opening new horizons in the fight against crime and environmental protection.
More Stories
Incredible: There are more deaths from falling out of bed than from plane crashes.
Money: evil or wonderful opportunities (video)
Greek garlic – conqueror of the international market