By: Shannon Marie Harmon and Lou Del Bello
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Rats have a keen sense of smell, which can be used to detect target scents
APOPO
HeroRATS can sniff out both metal and plastic-cased landmines
APOPO
From a young age, the rats learn to socialise with humans
APOPO
Rats learn to recognise the explosives through positive reinforcement
APOPO
HeroRATs do not weigh enough to detonate the pressure-activated landmines
APOPO
Researchers ensure the rats stay healthy with play time and a balanced diet
APOPO
The rats need little veterinary care and are resilient to many diseases
APOPO
The rats are tested thoroughly before being sent out to the fields
APOPO
African giant pouched rats can be trained to sniff out the explosives in landmines. Belgian non-governmental organisation APOPO is using the huge rodents to assist in a programme that aims to eradicate mines from Mozambique by the end of this year.
There are currently 59 countries around the world that contain landmines or other explosive remnants of war. These hazards prevent development and economic growth long after conflict ends.
The mine detection rats, also called HeroRATs, are usually tethered to a guide rope suspended between two handlers. They are then used to methodically sweep a demarcated hazardous zone, scratching at the ground if they smell explosives.