A remarkable landmine-sniffing rat has set a new global milestone by locating more than 100 explosive devices in Cambodia, a humanitarian organization announced on Friday.
Ronin, a giant African pouched rat, has uncovered 109 landmines and 15 other dangerous remnants of war since his deployment to the northern region of Preah Vihear province in August 2021, according to a statement released by the Belgian charity APOPO.
At just five years old, Ronin has earned the title of the most successful Mine Detection Rat in APOPO’s history.
“His exceptional accomplishments have earned him the Guinness World Records title for most landmines detected by a rat, highlighting the critical role of HeroRats in humanitarian demining,” APOPO said.
Ronin’s achievement surpasses that of his predecessor, Magawa, another celebrated rodent who uncovered 71 landmines and 38 unexploded ordnances (UXOs) during his five-year career before retiring in 2021. Magawa had been honored with a gold medal for his service in clearing about 225,000 square metres of land — approximately 42 football fields — and passed away in 2022.
Ronin, who still has at least two more years of work ahead, continues to play a vital role in demining efforts.
“He’s not just an asset, he’s a valued partner and colleague,” said his handler, Phanny.
Decades of conflict beginning in the 1960s have left Cambodia heavily contaminated with landmines, abandoned munitions, and other weapons.
Even after the end of over 30 years of civil war in 1998, the country remains among the most heavily mined in the world.
Tragically, mine-related accidents are still common. Since 1979, more than 20,000 people have died due to landmines and UXOs, with the number of injured estimated to be double that figure.
In a recent incident in February, two young children lost their lives when a long-buried rocket-propelled grenade exploded near their homes in Siem Reap province.
Originally aiming to become mine-free by 2025, the Cambodian government has now extended the goal to 2030, citing funding difficulties and the discovery of new minefields along its border with Thailand.
