A recent article from the New Big 5 explores how trained animals play a crucial role in helping conservationists protect endangered animals. One example of these specialized animals are African giant pouched rats from APOPO, a PCF grantee, which have been dubbed “Hero Rats” due to their amazing skill at helping authorities detect smuggled pangolin scales and products. These rats are vital to law enforcement’s efforts to thwart illegal wildlife traffickers. They are smart, can fit in small spaces that sniffer dogs can’t reach, and are a cost-effective method of discouraging traffickers from shipping pangolin products across the globe.
Read the full article about Hero Rats and other amazing animals here.