Cambodia revealed a statue to honour Magawa, an African giant pouched rat, who was awarded a gold medal for his heroism in detecting landmines. The statue. Carved from local stone by artists. Was revealed in Siem Reap on Friday, timed to coincide with the International Day for Mine Awareness on 4 April.

Magawa’s Contributions to Mine Clearance

Magawa, trained by the Belgian charity Apopo, began his bomb-sniffing career in Cambodia in 2016. Using his acute sense of smell. He detected chemical compounds within explosives and alerted human handlers to the presence of mines, which could then be safely removed.

During his time in Cambodia, Magawa cleared more than 141,000 square metres of land – the equivalent of 20 football pitches — he could search a field the size of a tennis court in just 20 minutes, demonstrating exceptional efficiency and dedication.

Honour and Recognition

In 2020, Magawa was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal, often referred to as the George Cross for animals, for his “life-saving devotion to duty.” He was the first rat to receive the medal in the charity’s 77-year history.

Apopo’s Cambodia Programme Manager. Michael Raine. Said on Friday that the monument for Magawa serves as a reminder to the international community that there is still a job to be done in the region. Cambodia now has a target date of 2030 to become mine-free, he added.

The charity has been training its rodents, also known as HeroRATS, since the 1990s — their small size makes them not heavy enough to detonate mines, making them a safer option than humans for mine detection.

Expanding Roles of HeroRATS

HeroRATS have also been trained to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking in Tanzania, showcasing their versatility beyond mine detection. In Cambodia’s northern Preah Vihear province, a rat named Ronin surpassed the previous record held by Magawa, highlighting the continued success of these remarkable animals.

The revealing of the statue for Magawa is a significant milestone in Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to clear landmines and ensure the safety of its people. The event highlights the key role that animals like Magawa have played in this effort, as well as the importance of continued international support.

Cambodia’s commitment to becoming mine-free by 2030 reveals the urgency of the task and the need for innovative solutions, including the use of trained rats. The statue serves not only as a tribute to Magawa but also as a symbol of hope and progress for the future of mine clearance in the region.

The event in Siem Reap drew attention from local and international communities, emphasizing the significance of Magawa’s contributions to the cause of mine awareness and safety. His legacy will continue to inspire efforts to clear landmines and protect lives in Cambodia and beyond.