A remarkable rat named Ronin has made headlines by setting a new record for landmine detection in Cambodia. This five-year-old African giant pouched rat has uncovered over 100 landmines and other dangerous remnants from war, achieving a total of 109 landmines and 15 unexploded items since he began his work in 2021.
Ronin’s achievements come at a crucial time for Cambodia, a country still dealing with the aftermath of a brutal civil war that lasted nearly 20 years and ended in 1998. The landscape remains littered with millions of unexploded munitions, posing ongoing risks to local communities. The charity Apopo, which trains Ronin and other HeroRATS, highlighted how his efforts are helping people reclaim land they once avoided due to the fear of stepping on a hidden mine.
The Guinness World Records recognized Ronin’s vital contributions, noting that his work significantly impacts the daily lives of people who live in constant fear of landmines. Apopo, based in Tanzania, has trained Ronin and his fellow rats to detect chemicals found in explosives. Because these rats are light, they do not trigger the mines, making them a safe option for this dangerous job.
In just 30 minutes, a rat can search an area the size of a tennis court, a task that would take a human with a metal detector about four days. This efficiency is why Apopo has trained 104 rats to assist in demining efforts. The organization has cleared over 169,000 landmines and explosives worldwide, with more than 52,000 in Cambodia alone.
Ronin’s record surpasses that of Magawa, another HeroRAT who previously held the title after detecting 71 mines and receiving a gold medal for his bravery in 2020. Despite these successes, Cambodia still has an estimated four to six million landmines buried beneath its soil, according to the Landmine Monitor.
As Ronin continues his work in the northern Preah Vihear province, he is not only helping to make the land safer but also inspiring hope in a country still healing from the scars of war.