Video: Rat sets world record for sniffing out 109 landmines in Cambodia

A remarkable rat named Ronin has made history by setting a new world record for sniffing out landmines in Cambodia. The five-year-old giant African pouched rat, who works for the Belgian charity APOPO, has discovered 109 landmines and 15 other potentially deadly remnants of war since his deployment to the northern Preah Vihear province in August 2021.

Ronin's outstanding achievements have earned him the title of the most successful Mine Detection Rat (MDR) in APOPO's history and a Guinness World Record for the most landmines detected by a rat. His success surpasses that of Magawa, another celebrated HeroRat, who found 71 landmines and 38 unexploded ordnance (UXOs) during his career before retiring in 2021.

"His exceptional accomplishments highlight the critical role of HeroRats in humanitarian demining," APOPO said in a statement. The charity emphasized that Ronin is an invaluable asset to the team and a valued partner in the life-saving work of clearing landmines.

Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, a legacy of decades of civil war that left dangerous remnants scattered across the land. Since the end of the war in 1998, landmines have continued to cause devastation, with around 20,000 deaths and numerous injuries.

Despite the Cambodian government's goal to be mine-free by 2025, challenges, including funding shortages and new landmine discoveries, have delayed the target by five years.

With at least two more years of demining service ahead of him, Ronin continues to contribute significantly to efforts to make Cambodia a safer place. His handler, Phanny, praised Ronin's dedication, saying, "He's not just an asset; he's a valued partner and colleague."