Giant rodents trained to identify ivory and various wildlife smuggling products.
Rodents wearing red vests in the role of “border control agents” are set to become common at ports in Africa to detect cross-border smuggling activities.
African giant rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) being trained to sniff out contraband – (Photo: APOPO)
Recently, a species of African giant rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) has been trained to identify pangolin scales, ivory, and other products from endangered species, according to a report by researchers published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science.
The promising results indicate that these “expert” rats could play a crucial role in combating global wildlife trafficking.
“Wildlife trafficking is disrupting biodiversity as certain species are targeted for poaching,” stated Dr. Isabelle Szott, a behavioral ecologist who helps train the rats in Morogoro, Tanzania, and a member of the nonprofit organization APOPO, which specializes in animal training.
Dr. Szott’s team trained 11 rats to distinguish between various scents, including those from wildlife and other benign odors.
The “laboratory” consists of a large box with 10 small chambers, where researchers place different samples. When the rats correctly sniff the target scent within 3 seconds, they are rewarded, helping them recognize the scent as well as earn their treats.
The trained rats have learned to detect pangolin scales, rhinoceros horn, ivory, and African blackwood—a type of wood favored in instrument crafting.
As a result, 8 of the rats completed their training and can differentiate these four types of scents from 146 other odors commonly used by traffickers to disguise their contraband, such as cardboard, electrical wires, and wigs.
Rats being “rewarded” with food after detecting scents – (Photo: APOPO).
Training the rats in the laboratory to detect scents is just the beginning. The team has introduced the rats into a simulation storage facility, and some have even begun deployment at actual ports.
According to Dr. Isabelle Szott, through this research, experts have discovered that giant rats possess excellent sniffing abilities, are very adaptable, and are low-cost to maintain.
Currently, many additional rats are in training. Meanwhile, some of the first cohort are now enjoying their “retirement” years, feasting on fruits, vegetables, and dried fish every day.
“They are living out their final days at the APOPO retirement home,” Szott shared.
