Giant rats have been suggested as a solution to combat wildlife trafficking.

Commonly found in Africa, giant pouched rats possess a keen sense of smell, which has previously enabled their use in detecting explosives and the tuberculosis pathogen. Now, an international team of researchers has demonstrated that the rodents of the species Cricetomys ansorgei can be trained to identify the scents of pangolin scales, ivory, rhino horn, and African blackwood. These wildlife resources are frequently targeted by smugglers.

2024-10-31 10:01:02https://naked-science.ru/article/biology/gigantskiye-krysy

An experiment to test this possibility was conducted at a research center of the non-profit organization APOPO, headquartered in Tanzania, which specializes in training giant African pouched rats.

Previously, one of the trained animals, a male named Magawa, was awarded a gold medal by PDSA for his demining efforts in Cambodia. Throughout his life, this rat-miner located over 100 landmines and other unexploded ordnance. In 2022, APOPO announced the death of the animal at the advanced age of eight.

The new project involved 11 giant African pouched rats Cricetomys ansorgei, but by the end of the project, three individuals were lost due to illness and death. The training included several stages, during which the rodents were taught to recognize and remember target scents using rewards, as well as distinguish them from non-target scents.

Initially, the animals learned the scent of pangolin scales (Manis spp.) and the endangered African tree Dalbergia melanoxylon, prized for its wood. The rodents were then trained to detect rhino horn and elephant tusks. By the end of the experiment, seven of the subjects successfully identified all four target samples among 146 other objects.

According to the authors of the scientific paper recently published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science, the trained rats successfully located potential smuggled items, even when attempts were made to conceal them among decoys. The animals also performed well after a long break from contact with the samples.

According to the scientists, the results obtained in the experiment laid the groundwork for more extensive training of giant African pouched rats in detecting smuggled goods by scent. Among the main advantages of Cricetomys ansorgei, experts noted their small size and sensitive noses, low training and maintenance costs, the ability to work with different trainers, and a long lifespan.

All of these factors will enable these animals to become a cost-effective tool in the fight against illegal wildlife trade, researchers believe.

Next, the scientists plan to explore the possibility of deploying trained rats in seaports, where smuggled goods may be transported. For this purpose, it is proposed to equip the rodents with specially designed vests that have a ball attached in the chest area, which emits a sound signal. By pulling on it upon detecting a target, the giant African pouched rats will be able to alert their trainer.