Dateline (SBS) ran a story about using rats as mine
detectors in Mozambique. The Rats are clicker-trained :-)


SBS Dateline | A Rat s Tale

SBS Dateline | A Rat s Tale


SBS does not have video of the segment available,
but there are some other videos of the rats at work.

YouTube - Sniffer Rats Take Over Mozambique's Landmines
Sniffer Rats Take Over Mozambique's Landmines

YouTube - rat trained to sniff out mines
rat trained to sniff out mines (silent)

YouTube - Rats helping clear landmines in Tanzania
Rats helping clear landmines in Tanzania


Also
YouTube - Using Sniffer Rats to Detect Tuberculosis
Using Sniffer Rats to Detect T-B (clicker training)

and finally:

Gambian Pouch Rat (Cricetomys gambianus) - Wiki
Gambian Pouch Rat (Cricetomys gambianus)

They sorta resemble a mix of possum and Guinea pig.
Unlike dogs, who can be very expensive to feed and care-for, the
pouched-rats eat grain and fruit and vegies - anyone can provide
their grain-based diet for little money, and UNlike dogs they are
not regarded as *dirty* by the local people.

cheers,
--- terry

terry pride, APDT-Aus, apdt#1827, CVA, IPDTA, TDF