Super Rat Saves Lives: Ronin Breaks World Record for Detecting Landmines

Rats aren’t exactly beloved in many parts of the world, but one exceptional rodent is proving that these creatures are capable of far more than we think. Meet Ronin, the African giant pouched rat who’s not only breaking records but also saving lives by sniffing out deadly landmines.

Between August 2021 and February 2025, Ronin managed to detect 109 landmines and 15 other pieces of unexploded ordnance in Cambodia’s Siem Reap region—setting a new world record for a rat, as confirmed by Guinness World Records. This incredible feat highlights not only Ronin’s exceptional abilities but also the significant impact these rats have on global demining efforts.

Ronin’s handler, Phanny, shared a touching tribute, stating, “Ronin’s achievements are a testament to the incredible potential of rats,” emphasizing just how vital these animals are in making formerly dangerous lands safe again.

Landmines continue to pose a deadly risk in many parts of the world, especially in former conflict zones like Cambodia. These hidden explosives are designed to maim or kill anyone who crosses over them, causing over 65,000 deaths and injuries in Cambodia since the Khmer Rouge regime fell in 1979.

Despite years of demining efforts, Cambodia remains one of the most landmine-contaminated countries, with an estimated 4 to 6 million unexploded mines still buried beneath the soil. The use of landmines in conflicts like the Vietnam War, which involved extensive U.S. bombing campaigns, left behind a deadly legacy. The U.S. dropped 2.7 million tons of ordnance, including cluster bombs, over Cambodia, with many of these bombs failing to detonate, leaving hidden hazards that persist for decades.

The high cost and danger of detecting landmines through traditional methods like metal detectors make Ronin and his fellow rats indispensable. With their exceptional sense of smell, these rats can identify the scent of explosives with impressive accuracy. Unlike humans, they’re also too light to trigger the mines, making them perfect for this dangerous task.

One rat can search the area of a tennis court in just 30 minutes, a task that would take a human deminer up to four days using a metal detector. This speed and efficiency can save countless lives and expedite the clearance of dangerous land.

Ronin’s not alone in this work. He’s part of a larger effort by the Belgian nonprofit APOPO, which has trained over 100 rats for landmine detection. The organization’s rats are not only helping to make land more accessible but are also trained to detect tuberculosis in medical settings—another testament to their versatility.

In total, landmine explosions caused 5,757 casualties globally in 2023, with 37% of those victims being children. That’s why these life-saving rodents are so important. They help ensure that people can safely return to areas once deemed too hazardous to inhabit.

Ronin now holds the title previously held by Magawa, another APOPO-trained rat, who discovered 71 landmines and 38 unexploded ordnance pieces during his five years of service. Magawa passed away peacefully in January 2022, but his legacy lives on through Ronin’s incredible work.

At 5 years old, Ronin is a large, impressive rat—measuring more than 2 feet long (roughly the size of a cat) and weighing 2.6 pounds. Born in Tanzania, Ronin’s contribution to making the world a safer place is undeniable, and his record-breaking achievements are a powerful reminder of the unexpected ways in which animals can make a profound impact on human lives.

As Ronin and his fellow rats continue their work in Cambodia and beyond, they are rewriting the narrative on rodents, proving that sometimes, the smallest heroes have the biggest impact.