Researchers have trained African giant pouched rats to sniff out tuberculosis and explosives in the past. And they have now expanded the rodents’ scent repertoire to detect illegally trafficked animal parts — including pangolin scales, elephant ivory, and rhino horn, according to a report in Frontiers in Conservation Science.
Interrupting this illegal trade is important in and of itself, of course. But the people who smuggle animal parts often also traffic drugs, humans, and weapons. But why rats?
Rats as Detection Tools
They have a great sense of smell, learn easily, and live long. Unlike dogs, they can work with multiple handlers.
