Phnom Penh: Rats don't have a particularly good reputation. But in Cambodia, they're proving to be indispensable for mine clearance.
According to Deutsche Welle, giant pouched rats are being used in Cambodia to detect land mines. These rodents have become an essential part of the mine clearance process due to their unique ability to sniff out explosives buried underground.
The use of rats in mine detection has been gaining attention as they are capable of covering large areas quickly and efficiently. Their light weight allows them to walk over land mines without triggering them, making them ideal for this dangerous task.
This innovative approach to mine clearance is part of ongoing efforts to address the issue of unexploded ordnance in Cambodia, a legacy from past conflicts. The rats' contribution is seen as a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of communities affected by land mines.