A furry force for good has made history this World Rat Day (Friday), with HeroRAT Ronin breaking records and sniffing his way to a prestigious Guinness World Records title!

In the Cambodian province of Preah Vihear, Ronin – an African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) – has been crowned the most successful Mine Detection Rat (MDR) in APOPO’s history, after detecting a jaw-dropping 109 landmines and 15 pieces of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

This remarkable achievement has earned him the official title for the most landmines detected by a rat, knocking the legendary Magawa off his perch.

Ronin’s extraordinary talent has saved lives, helping rid the country of deadly remnants of past conflicts. And at just five years-old, the rat’s work is far from over. With a nose for danger that shows no signs of slowing down, Ronin could keep going for another two years, potentially breaking even more records.

Adam Millward, Managing Editor of Guinness World Records, said, “This isn’t just about setting records – it’s about smashing preconceptions. Ronin and his team prove that humans and animals working together can make a real difference, saving lives and changing futures.”

Ronin’s record-breaking moment coincides perfectly with April 4th, which is both World Rat Day and the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. A perfect chance to shine the spotlight on the furry heroes like Ronin, who work tirelessly to make the world a safer place.

Ronin’s impressive detection skills are a result of expert training built on positive reinforcement. Born and raised at APOPO’s Training Centre in Tanzania, Ronin was trained with clicker cues linked to tasty rewards like bananas and peanuts. This system not only keeps Ronin motivated, but it also ensures he performs his life-saving duties with precision, working in a grid pattern to sniff out dangerous landmines.

Phanny, Ronin’s handler, commented, “Ronin isn’t just an asset; he’s a colleague, a valued partner. He’s a true professional.”

The HeroRATs are also given regular breaks, working only 30 minutes a day in the early morning hours, ensuring they stay fit, sharp, and well-rested. Once they retire, they’re treated like royalty in APOPO’s retirement colony, where they can live out their golden years in peace.

Cambodia’s landmine problem is a legacy of decades of conflict, with an estimated 4 to 6 million landmines still lurking beneath the surface. Though demining efforts have made strides, thousands of landmines remain a constant threat. Ronin’s work is speeding up the process, contributing to Cambodia’s dream of a landmine-free future.

But it’s not just Cambodia suffering – over 110 million landmines remain buried worldwide, with civilians, especially children, bearing the brunt of the deadly toll. Yet thanks to brave HeroRATs like Ronin, the world is a little safer, one sniff at a time.

Christophe Cox, CEO of APOPO, shared, “When we started, it was thought it would take 500 years to clear all landmines. Now, there’s hope. With continued global support, we could clear the minefields within our lifetimes.”