A true scourge, the trafficking of endangered species is very difficult to stop. Faced with the failure of traditional detection tools, the NGO Apopo is training new agents with an unparalleled sense of smell: giant rats, according to a report from the media Le Blob. The giant rats of Africa, soon the faithful companions of customs agents?
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Savannah cricetomes, according to their scientific name, are rats used by Apopo against wildlife trafficking. They have proven to be valuable supporters in the fight against this trafficking. They are able to recognize many substances by smell and squeeze the small ball with which they are equipped to warn their masters. Their error rate is less than 2%.
Indeed, animal parts such as pangolin scales, rhinoceros horn, elephant ivory but also African blackwood are worth a lot on the market… and are expensive for the endangered species from which they come. Between 2015 and 2021, these poached materials represented more than 70% of illegal trafficking seizures.
The giant rats of Africa, soon the faithful companions of customs agents? Find out more in 2 minutes on the YouTube channel of the media Le Blob.
To go further:
The Blob – Youtube
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