Ronin, a five-year-old African giant pouched rat, has made headlines as he set a new world record by detecting more than 100 landmines and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia. The record was announced by the Belgian charity Apopo, which trains animals to sniff out explosives and conduct vital humanitarian work. Since August 2021, Ronin has uncovered 109 landmines and 15 items of unexploded munitions, surpassing the previous record of 71 mines held by his predecessor, Magawa, who was awarded a gold medal for his service.

According to Apopo, Ronin's remarkable ability is attributed to his training, which employs positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training that help him associate specific sounds with rewards. His handler, Phanny, highlighted that this method demonstrates the immense potential of having such intelligent animals as operational partners in humanitarian missions. The organization ensures that Ronin works for only 30 minutes a day, focusing on keeping him mentally stimulated while allowing time for play and rest.

Cambodia continues to grapple with the aftermath of its 20-year civil war, which has left an estimated four to six million landmines buried across the country, causing numerous casualties over the decades. Since Apopo's inception, they have cleared a total of 169,713 landmines globally, with a significant number from Cambodia alone. The successful use of animals like Ronin demonstrates a swift and effective alternative to conventional demining methods, which typically rely on human-operated machinery and metal detectors.

Ronin's achievements were unveiled on April 4, aligning with World Rat Day, a celebration of the contributions of rats to society. With approximately 300 other HeroRATS in training, Apopo continues to expand its mission to rid the world of landmines. Their ongoing efforts exemplify how innovative training techniques can lead to life-saving successes.

For further details on Ronin's record-breaking accomplishments, visit the full article on CBS News or explore the insights provided by the South China Morning Post.