African Giant Rats are trained in Tanzania for direct search and for REST filters analysis and seem to have real potential. Rats appear to be easy to train, they are small and easy to breed and manage. They are resistant to most tropical diseases and enjoy repetitive behaviour. Their odour detection capability can be compared to that of a dog. The rat is attached to a bar, which is supported by multi pronged wheels at each end. The rat will search back and forth. When explosives are found the rats carefully scratches the ground.
Regions of MA operation
- Africa
- Asia
Related mine action topics
- Detection and clearance
- Land release
- Non Governmental Organisations
- PO Box 3078, , , Morogoro, , Tanzania
- http://www.apopo.org
- apopo@apopo.org
- +255-232-600 635
- +255-232-600 636