Ronin Sets Record Detecting Landmines in Cambodia

Ronin, a five-year-old African giant pouched rat, has set a new Guinness World Record for detecting 109 landmines and 15 unexploded ordnances in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province since August 2021. Trained by the Belgian non-profit APOPO, Ronin is celebrated as the most successful Mine Detection Rat (MDR) in history, surpassing the previous record held by Magawa, who detected 71 landmines and 38 unexploded ordnances over five years. Ronin's achievements underscore the critical role of 'HeroRATs' in humanitarian demining efforts, which are essential in a country heavily impacted by landmines from decades of conflict. Cambodia faces the challenge of an estimated 4 to 6 million remaining unexploded munitions and continues its commitment to becoming mine-free by 2030. The work of Ronin and APOPO's rats complements conventional demining methods, significantly speeding up the detection process. Ronin is expected to continue his life-saving work for at least two more years.