apopo, archives

 

A giant African pouched rat named Ronin has made history in Cambodia by detecting more landmines than any other rat on record. Deployed by Belgian charity APOPO in August 2021, Ronin has sniffed out 109 landmines and 15 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in Cambodia’s northern Preah Vihear province, earning him a Guinness World Record and a place in humanitarian demining history.

 

At just five years old, Ronin now holds the title of most successful Mine Detection Rat (MDR) in APOPO’s history, surpassing the late Magawa, another celebrated rat who detected 71 landmines and 38 UXOs before retiring in 2021. Magawa was previously awarded a gold medal for heroism before his death in 2022.

 

APOPO praised Ronin for his “exceptional accomplishments,” saying his work highlights the crucial role of HeroRats in saving lives and reclaiming land in post-conflict zones. "He’s not just an asset, he’s a valued partner and colleague,” said Phanny, Ronin’s handler.

 

Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, a legacy of decades of conflict, including the Vietnam War and the rise of the Khmer Rouge. The US bombing campaign during the 1960s and 1970s, followed by internal conflict that lasted until 1998, left the country littered with hidden dangers. Since 1979, over 20,000 people have died from landmines and UXOs, with twice as many injured.

 

Despite international support and local efforts, tragedies still occur. As recently as February, two toddlers were killed in Siem Reap province when a buried rocket-propelled grenade exploded near their home.

 

Originally targeting 2025 as a mine-free milestone, the Cambodian government has now extended the deadline to 2030, citing financial constraints and the discovery of new contaminated areas, especially along the Thai border.

 

Ronin, however, continues to play a key role in these efforts and may have at least two more years of active service ahead of him.

His record-breaking success offers not just a glimmer of hope in a long battle, but a reminder that even the smallest allies can make a life-saving difference.

 

-2025-04-05

Best thread by far on the whole of AN today.

UK version.

Great story AN!!  I had zero idea that this is one of the methods used for detecting mines.