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The East African savannah pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) is a large, nocturnal rodent native to the savannahs of East Africa. Known for its excellent sense of smell and intelligence, it has been trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis. It has soft brown or gray fur, large cheek pouches for carrying food, and a long tail. Despite its size and appearance, it is gentle and highly trainable, making it valuable in humanitarian efforts.
Did you Know?
They’ve been nicknamed “HeroRATs” because of their life-saving work detecting landmines and tuberculosis! Thanks to their incredible sense of smell and light weight, they can safely walk over landmines without triggering them—making them unlikely but highly effective heroes in mine-clearing missions.