For this, the researchers first trained mice. After that, small bags containing microphones and a location tracker are tied to the rats and sent to the quake’s location.
Glasgow, First Published Jun 4, 2022, 1:24 PM IST
Remember the Magawa rat that saved the lives of people by finding landmines in Cambodia? Tanzania is now following in the footsteps of Cambodia and training mice. But it is not to find landmines, but to search for those trapped in the earthquake.
Dogs are usually trained to locate earthquake victims. But researchers say that mice are more suitable than dogs in this regard. The 33 – year – old scientist from Glasgow, Scotland. Donna Keane is behind this different idea. Donna also works for Apopo, a voluntary organization that trains Magava. Donna has been working with the group for the past year to implement the project.
For this, the researchers first trained mice. After that, small bags containing microphones and a location tracker are tied to the rats and sent to the quake’s location. Through microphones attached to the bags, rescuers were able to talk to people trapped in the rubble and identify their whereabouts. Using a beep, the rat is brought back through the debris.
In the first phase, 170 mice will be trained by a British researcher. The rats were trained in Morogoro, Tanzania. So far, seven rats have completed training under this project, dubbed Hero Ratouse. Researchers also say that cats need to be included in any precautionary measures against the virus. The decision was made to send the trained rats to earthquake-prone Turkey.
Dr. Donna
One wonders why the rats were chosen for such a mission? Mice can move faster and more agile than dogs. In addition, their small size allows them to easily penetrate debris, prompting researchers to use them in disaster areas.
At the same time, the rats have not yet been sent to the actual earthquake affected area. Instead, their training so far has been on artificial waste. Donna says rats that can live in different environments adapt quickly to humans. Therefore, they added, rats are ideal for search and rescue. At the same time, Donna commented that the notion that rats are unclean is wrong. Moreover, Donna claims that rats have good intelligence and that they learn things quickly.
The project trains rats not only to rescue earthquake victims but also to perform many other complex tasks. Researchers also say that cats need to be included in any precautionary measures against the virus. Apopo is the only organization that trains rats for such things.
Last Updated Jun 4, 2022, 1:24 PM IST
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