Are rats likely to get killed in the detection process?
The rats are trained to detect and pinpoint the location of the landmine. Their small weight makes it highly unlikely they would set of a pressure-activated mine by scratching or pointing. It is a misunderstanding that the rats are trained as Kamikaze to destroy the mines in the field. Trained animals are far too precious to loose to landmines. On the contrary, the rats used by APOPO are treated with great care and attention, in order to optimize their physical and mental condition.
The rats are trained to detect and pinpoint the location of the landmine. Their small weight makes it highly unlikely they would set of a pressure-activated mine by scratching or pointing. It is a misunderstanding that the rats are trained as Kamikaze to destroy the mines in the field. Trained animals are far too precious to loose to landmines. On the contrary, the rats used by APOPO are treated with great care and attention, in order to optimize their physical and mental condition.
