iRats Deployed Against Wildlife Trafficking in Tanzania
In Tanzania, a groundbreaking initiative is harnessing the remarkable abilities of African giant pouched rats to combat the illegal wildlife trade. These rats, trained by the non-governmental organization APOPO, are proving to be invaluable allies in detecting trafficked wildlife products such as pangolin scales, rhino horns, and elephant ivory.
The Role of APOPO and the HeroRATs
APOPO, originally established to train rats for landmine detection, has expanded its mission to include wildlife trafficking. Based in Morogoro, Tanzania, APOPO trains these rats to identify specific scents associated with illegal wildlife products. The rats are equipped with tiny backpacks and leashes, and they alert their handlers by holding their noses over the target scent for a few seconds, earning a food reward for their correct identification. citeturn0search1
Training and Deployment
The training process is meticulous and involves exposing the rats to various scents, including common substances like peanuts and leaves, to ensure they can distinguish between target and non-target odors. Remarkably, these rats have demonstrated the ability to retain scent recognition for extended periods, even after months without exposure to the target scents. This retention is comparable to that of trained dogs, making them highly effective in real-world scenarios. citeturn0search4
In practical applications, these trained rats have been deployed at key locations such as the Dar es Salaam seaport, which handles 95% of Tanzania’s international trade. In trials, the rats successfully detected over 83% of planted wildlife targets, showcasing their potential to enhance current detection methods. citeturn0search3
Impact and Future Prospects
The use of rats in wildlife trafficking detection offers several advantages. They are cost-effective, require minimal training, and can access areas that may be challenging for other detection methods. This innovative approach not only aids in the fight against wildlife crime but also contributes to the conservation of endangered species and the protection of biodiversity.
Looking ahead, APOPO plans to expand the deployment of these HeroRATs to other ports and airports, both within Tanzania and internationally. By integrating these trained rats into global wildlife trafficking efforts, there is hope for more effective enforcement and a significant reduction in the illegal wildlife trade.
In conclusion, the deployment of African giant pouched rats in Tanzania represents a novel and promising strategy in the battle against wildlife trafficking. Their exceptional olfactory capabilities and proven track record in detection make them a valuable asset in safeguarding the planet's endangered species.
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