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African giant pouched rats have already proven their ability to sniff out threats from tuberculosis pathogens and landmines. Now they’re being trained to help tackle the illegal wildlife trade.
Dogs are currently used to detect contraband objects from elephant tusks to pangolin scales, but the cat-sized rats, which were coached at Tanzania-based animal training non-profit organisation Apopo, could prove useful allies as their smaller size makes them cheaper to train and transport.
CNN reports that the trade in illegal wildlife products is estimated to be worth up to £18 billion, making it one of the world’s most profitable illegal industries.
The rats still have a series of trials to pass at Dar es Salaam’s seaport and airport, but positive early performances indicate that their deployment could be imminent.
The species, local to sub-Saharan Africa, may prove to be a practical solution in the battle against wildlife crime when budgets are tight.
