Cambodia Landmine Detection, African Pouched Rat 'Ronin' Breaks Guinness Record
by Oh Yukyo
Published 06 Apr.2025 20:08(KST)
109 Landmines and 15 Unexploded Ordnances Discovered in Three Years
Surpassing the Previous Record Holder, 'Magawa'
Tennis Court-Sized Area Searched in 30 Minutes, More Efficient Than Metal Detectors
"Ronin's Contribution Brings Hope to People"
African pouched rat 'Ronin,' which detects landmines in Cambodia, has set a new world record in the Guinness Book.
According to the UK Independent on the 6th (local time), the NGO APOPO reported that 5-year-old Ronin has discovered 109 landmines and 15 unexploded ordnances over the past three years. Ronin surpassed the record of 'Magawa,' an African pouched rat who retired in 2021. Magawa found 71 landmines and 38 unexploded ordnances over five years. Ronin was deployed in August 2021 to Preah Vihear Province in northern Cambodia to carry out landmine detection missions.
APOPO trains African pouched rats to detect explosives such as TNT using their exceptional sense of smell and utilizes them for landmine detection missions. APOPO currently has 104 landmine-detecting rats. They can search an area the size of a tennis court in about 30 minutes. In contrast, a landmine removal machine equipped with a metal detector takes four days to complete the same task.
APOPO stated, "Ronin's work is bringing tangible change to people and giving hope to those who have had to live under the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnances." Ronin measures 68 cm in length and weighs 1.175 kg. He likes avocados and is described as diligent, friendly, and easygoing.
Cambodia suffered great damage from landmines and unexploded ordnances planted during the 30-year civil war until 1998. Currently, Cambodia remains one of the countries with the most landmines in the world. Tens of thousands of people have died, and over 1,000 km² of territory is contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnances.
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