Remarkable landmine-hunting rat named Ronin has set a new world record by detecting over 100 landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in Cambodia. The five-year-old giant African pouched rat, deployed by the Belgian charity APOPO, has tracked down 109 landmines and 15 pieces of deadly war remnants since his mission began in August 2021. His outstanding achievements have earned him the prestigious Guinness World Records title for the most landmines detected by a rat.
Ronin’s record-breaking success surpasses that of his predecessor, Magawa, a similarly trained rat who previously held the record after finding 71 landmines and 38 UXOs over his five-year service. Magawa, who was awarded a gold medal for heroism in 2020, passed away in 2022, but his legacy lives on through Ronin’s work.
Ronin’s role is part of a broader humanitarian effort to clear Cambodia of landmines, which have plagued the country since the civil war that ended in 1998. The remnants of decades of conflict, including landmines and abandoned ammunition, continue to pose a deadly threat to local communities. Despite the war’s end, Cambodia remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with around 20,000 deaths and countless injuries attributed to landmines since 1979.
With his exceptional detection abilities, Ronin has become more than just a working animal—he is a vital partner in the battle to make Cambodia safe again. His handler, Phanny, expressed deep admiration for Ronin, calling him “not just an asset, but a valued partner and colleague.”
Although Cambodia had originally aimed to be mine-free by 2025, the discovery of new minefields and funding difficulties have delayed this goal. The deadline has now been extended by five years, but Ronin’s efforts continue to bring hope to the people of Cambodia as he works to rid the land of these deadly remnants of war.
