A giant African pouched rat named Ronin has set a new Guinness World Record for detecting landmines, surpassing his predecessor Magawa. Since 2021, Ronin has tracked down 109 landmines and 15 other potentially deadly war remnants in Cambodia’s northern Preah Vihear province.
The charity APOPO announced Ronin as the most successful Mine Detection Rat (MDR) in their history, citing his exceptional accomplishments that have earned him a Guinness World Records title. This achievement highlights the critical role of HeroRats in humanitarian demining.
Ronin beat Magawa’s record, who found 71 landmines and 38 UXOs during his five-year service before retirement in 2021. Magawa was awarded a gold medal for heroism but passed away in 2022.
APOPO stated that Ronin may have two years or more of detection work ahead of him. His handler Phanny described Ronin as not just an asset, but a valued partner and colleague.
Cambodia remains heavily mined due to decades of war starting in the 1960s. The country’s efforts to become mine-free by 2025 were pushed back by five years due to funding challenges and new landmine fields found along its border.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-05/rat-earns-world-record-for-sniffing-landmines-in-cambodia/105140794