How to train a giant rat?
PRODUCED BY LUCIA TORRES
In the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking, an unexpected hero has emerged—the African giant pouched rat. Scientists in Tanzania are training these rodents to detect hidden contraband like pangolin scales, rhino horns, and ivory in shipments passing through ports and airports.
This short-video is part of the series Wild Targets.
Giant rat wearing a a harness equipped with a ball. Image by Lucia Torres
Dora Hebert with Nandera, one of eight wildlife detection giant rats. Image by Lucia Torres
A wildlife detection rat looks for targets within a container during training in APOPO’s facilities. Image by Lucia Torres
Eduardo Reynoso holding one of the wildlife detection giant rats. Image by Lucia Torres