In a remarkable achievement, Ronin, an African giant pouched rat, has set a new world record by becoming the first rodent to detect over 100 landmines and other dangerous remnants of war in Cambodia. Since 2021, this brave little hero has uncovered an impressive total of 109 landmines and 15 unexploded ordnance items, as reported by the charity organization Apopo, which specializes in training these talented animals.

Cambodia's landscape is still haunted by the remnants of conflict, with millions of unexploded munitions littering the ground from nearly two decades of civil war that ended in 1998. The work of Ronin and his fellow HeroRATS is essential in helping communities feel safer as they go about their daily lives without the constant fear of stepping on a hidden landmine.

According to the Guinness World Records, Ronin's 'crucial work' is truly making a positive impact on people's lives, as many have lived in fear of a misstep that could potentially be fatal. Apopo, which originates from Tanzania, has trained a total of 104 HeroRATS who are adept at detecting the chemicals found in landmines and other explosive materials. Their lightweight bodies mean they won't trigger the mines, making them perfect for this life-saving task.

Remarkably, Ronin can search an area the size of a tennis court in just 30 minutes, while a human equipped with a metal detector might take up to four days to clear the same space. In addition to their landmine detection capabilities, these furry heroes can also locate tuberculosis with remarkable speed and accuracy, outperforming conventional lab tests.

Ronin's astonishing achievements have surpassed those of his predecessor, Magawa, another landmine-detecting rat who uncovered 71 mines and was awarded a gold medal for his heroic contributions in 2020. Since Apopo's inception 25 years ago, the organization has successfully cleared a staggering 169,713 landmines and explosives worldwide, with over 52,000 located specifically in Cambodia. Apopo's efforts extend beyond Cambodia, as the charity also operates in other war-torn regions, including Ukraine, South Sudan, and Azerbaijan.

Sadly, despite these efforts, it is estimated that there still remain between four to six million landmines and unexploded devices buried across Cambodia, as highlighted by the Landmine Monitor. As Ronin continues to lead the way in this noble endeavor, the hope is for a safer future where communities can thrive without the threat of these deadly remnants of war.