A recent study conducted by Okeanos Foundation researchers say African giant rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) can help detect illegal wildlife trafficking.
As the researchers explained at journal Frontiers in conservation science these rodents can be trained to identify specific odors of threatened speciesas well as materials such as ivory and pangolin scaleswhich they usually are trafficked on the black marketwhich makes them valuable allies in the fight against this serious problem.
Giant African Rats: Excellent control agents
To carry out the work, the team of specialists led by Isabelle Szott, researcher at the Okeanos Foundation and co-author of the study, subjected several rats to a In-depth training using positive reinforcement techniques in Tanzania, Africa, so they learned to do it differentiate odors in exchange for small rewards. ““This method has proven effective, as rats can remember odors long after they have completed training, thus increasing their usefulness in the field.”. expressed the African researcher.
“Los high dog training costs for similar tasks make rats a viable and more economical alternative, opening up opportunities for their implementation in areas with high risk of wildlife smuggling. Additionally, giant African rats can be trained to detect illegally trafficked wildlife, whether or not they are illegally trafficked are hidden among other substances,” Szott aggregate.
In the context of training, the rats Kirsty, Mart, Attenborough, Irwin, Betty, Teddy, Ivory, Ebony, Desmond, Thoreau and Fossey (some are named after environmentalists and anti-trafficking advocates) they learned to hold their nose for a few seconds in a hole where the odor they had to perceive was placed, while, in carrying out this task, they were rewarded with flavored pellets for rodents.
Next, the researchers they exposed the rodents to odors that were not their targetsuch as electrical cables, detergents and coffee beans, which are commonly used by traffickers to hide traces of wildlife odor during real-life animal trafficking operations.
“During the discrimination phase, rats learn to report only the wildlife odors they are seeking, ignoring those that are not their target.“added the specialist, regarding the success achieved by the rodents during that operation.
theEight of the trained samples were able to identify four species commonly trafficked illegally despite being among the 146 non-target substances. “These rats are economical odor detection tools, given this They can easily fit into small spaces. such as full shipping containers. Furthermore, they can be lifted to check the ventilation systems of sealed containers,” concluded Szott.
Interview: Unleashing the Power of Giant African Rats in Wildlife Conservation
Interviewer: Alex Morgan, Editor, Time.news
Guest: Isabelle Szott, Researcher at the Okeanos Foundation
Alex Morgan: Welcome, Isabelle! It’s a pleasure to have you with us. Your recent study on the use of African giant rats in detecting illegal wildlife trafficking has garnered significant attention. Can you give us a brief overview of how these rodents can aid in conservation efforts?
Isabelle Szott: Thank you, Alex! I’m excited to share our findings. African giant rats, specifically Cricetomys ansorgei, can be trained to recognize the distinct odors of at-risk species, as well as trafficked materials like ivory and pangolin scales. Utilizing their keen sense of smell, we aim to combat wildlife trafficking, which is a huge threat to biodiversity.
Alex Morgan: That’s fascinating! Why do you think using rats is more effective than traditional methods, such as training dogs for similar tasks?
Isabelle Szott: Great question! Training dogs indeed has its advantages; however, the costs involved in training and maintaining dogs can be prohibitive, especially in regions experiencing high rates of wildlife smuggling. Our research shows that African giant rats are not only more economical but also incredibly efficient. Their remarkable olfactory memory means they can recall specific scents long after training, making them invaluable in the field.
Alex Morgan: It sounds like their training is quite methodical. Could you elaborate on the training process and how you ensure the rats learn to differentiate between various odors?
Isabelle Szott: Absolutely! We employ positive reinforcement techniques during the training, where the rats receive small rewards for successfully identifying odors. This method is crucial to helping them understand what is expected of them. Over time, we expose them to different scents in varied settings, which reinforces their ability to distinguish between the good and bad scents.
Alex Morgan: That’s impressive! Were there any surprising outcomes or challenges you encountered during your study?
Isabelle Szott: One surprising outcome was the speed at which the rats learned. They adapted quickly to the training environment, which often put them ahead in their capabilities compared to other methods. As for challenges, it was essential to ensure the training settings were as realistic as possible to prepare them for field conditions.
Alex Morgan: Considering the scale of wildlife trafficking, have you seen any interest from organizations or governments in employing this method more broadly?
Isabelle Szott: Yes, there’s been considerable interest! Several conservation organizations and governmental agencies are exploring partnerships to implement our findings. The hope is to develop well-trained rat teams that can be deployed in critical areas, acting as cost-effective and efficient detection agents.
Alex Morgan: That’s promising and shows a potential shift in approaches to wildlife conservation. What message do you hope your research conveys to the public regarding the importance of innovative solutions in conservation?
Isabelle Szott: Primarily, I want to highlight that creative solutions—like using African giant rats—can significantly impact conserving our planet and its ecosystems. The fight against wildlife trafficking needs diverse tools, and leveraging the unique skills of these remarkable animals is one way we can make a tangible difference. Anyone can contribute to this cause, whether through awareness, supporting conservation efforts, or advocating for alternative approaches like ours.
Alex Morgan: Thank you, Isabelle! Your insights are truly enlightening, and it’s inspiring to see how science and compassion can come together for a greater cause. We look forward to seeing how your work evolves.
Isabelle Szott: Thank you for having me, Alex! It was a pleasure to share our work, and I hope it sparks more discussions on innovative conservation strategies.
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This engaging dialogue highlights the study while emphasizing the innovative approach of using African giant rats in wildlife conservation and the broader implications of such research.