Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia – APOPO proudly announces that Ronin, an African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei), has achieved the distinction of being the most successful Mine Detection Rat (MDR) in the organization’s history. His exceptional accomplishments have earned him the Guinness World Records title most landmines detected by a rat highlighting the critical role of HeroRATs in humanitarian demining.
Since his deployment to Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia, in August 2021, Ronin has detected an impressive 109 landmines and 15 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO), surpassing the previous record held by the legendary HeroRAT Magawa, who identified 71 landmines and 38 UXOs during his five-year service. And Ronin’s work is far from finished. At just five years old, he may have two years or more of detection work ahead of him, continuing to build on his already record-breaking total.
Adam Millward, Managing Editor, Guinness World Records said “Guinness World Records feats aren’t always just about smashing milestones – sometimes they can be about smashing preconceptions too. The life-changing results of APOPO’s HeroRATs, their handlers and all the people involved with training and caring for these incredible animals is a revelatory example of the good that can be achieved when humans and animals work together.”
April 4th: A Special Day for APOPO’s HeroRATs
The announcement of Ronin’s record-breaking achievement coincides with two important observances on April 4th: World Rat Day and the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. This fortunate alignment provides APOPO with an ideal opportunity to raise awareness of the life-saving contributions made by HeroRATs like Ronin.
Training Through Positive Reinforcement
Ronin’s remarkable detection skills are the result of meticulous training built entirely on positive reinforcement. Ronin was born and raised in Morogoro, Tanzania, at APOPO’s Training Center located at Sokoine University of Agriculture. From a young age, he was introduced to clicker training, where he learned to associate the sound of a click with a tasty treat like bananas or peanuts. This reward-based system motivates Ronin to identify the scent of explosives accurately. His training also involves working systematically within a grid pattern attached to a line, indicating landmines by scratching at the ground.
“Ronin’s achievements are a testament to the incredible potential of positive reinforcement training. He’s not just an asset; he’s a valued partner and colleague,” said Phanny, Ronin’s handler.
APOPO ensures that its HeroRATs only work for 30 minutes per day, in the cool early hours of the morning. This allows them to rest, play, and explore their natural behaviors the rest of the time. Their work is considered an enrichment activity that keeps their minds and noses stimulated.
Welfare and Retirement: A Lifelong Commitment to Care
APOPO’s dedication to the welfare of its animals is considered an integral part of its mission. African giant pouched rats typically live for eight years or more, and when they start showing signs of slowing down or less interest in their tasks, they are retired to APOPO’s retirement colony, where they live out their golden years in comfort. Valued as colleagues and friends, the rats receive the same respect and care as all members of the APOPO team.
“Our HeroRATs are not just workers; they are cherished members of our team. Ensuring their well-being, both during and after their working lives, is our absolute priority,” said Pendo Msegu, APOPO Animal Welfare Officer, Tanzania.
The Landmine Problem in Cambodia
According to the Landmine Monitor 2024, decades of conflict have left Cambodia contaminated with an estimated 4 to 6 million landmines and other unexploded munitions, posing ongoing threats to civilians. Since 1979, these hidden dangers have caused approximately 20,000 deaths and 45,000 injuries. While demining efforts have reduced casualties to 32 reported incidents in 2023, the risk remains significant.
APOPO’s innovative approach using trained HeroRATs like Ronin accelerates the detection and removal of these deadly remnants, contributing to Cambodia’s goal of becoming landmine-free.
The Global Landmine Problem
It is estimated that over 110 million landmines remain buried worldwide across more than 60 countries, posing a daily threat to civilians. According to the Mine Action Review in 2023 there were 5,241 recorded casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war, including 1,431 deaths. The majority of victims were civilians, with children making up almost half of those casualties. Despite ongoing demining efforts, these deadly devices continue to claim lives and limbs each year.
For more information about landmines see: https://apopo.org/what-are-landmines-2024/
“When we launched APOPO, the common view was that it would take around 500 years to clear all landmines from the Earth’s surface. 25 years later, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and if the international community fully supports the collaboration of all demining operators, we could clear the remaining minefields in our lifetime” – Christophe Cox, CEO APOPO
About APOPO
APOPO is a Belgian non-profit organization with operational headquarters at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania. For over 25 years, APOPO has been training African giant pouched rats (nicknamed HeroRATs) to detect landmines and tuberculosis. Its innovative methods have helped clear millions of square meters of land worldwide, providing hope and safety to communities affected by hidden threats.
Support Ronin’s Mission
People around the world can help support Ronin’s life-saving work by adopting him through APOPO’s animal adoption program. Adopters receive a digital welcome pack, a personalized adoption certificate, and monthly updates detailing Ronin’s progress.
To adopt Ronin and support his incredible work visit: https://apopo.org/adopt/ronin
About the Guinness World Records
What’s the fastest game bird in Europe? This was the question that inspired the founding of Guinness World Records back in 1955. Starting with a single book published from a room above a gym, GWR has grown to become a global multi-media brand, with offices in London, New York, Miami, Beijing, Tokyo and Dubai. Today, we deliver world-class content, not just through Books, but via TV shows, social media and live events. Our in-house consultancy works closely with brands and businesses around the world to harness the power of record-breaking and deliver award-winning campaigns and business solutions. Our ultimate purpose is to inspire people – individuals, families, schools, groups, companies, communities and even entire countries – to read about, watch, listen to and participate in record-breaking. To join this record-breaking community – and find out the answer to that original question – visit guinnessworldrecords.com
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lily Shallom, APOPO
lily.shallom@apopo.org
Guinness World Records
press@guinnessworldrecords.com
madalyn.bielfeld@guinnessworldrecords.com
