Not all heroes wear capes...
The highly developed sense of smell and light weight of our African giant pouched rats, nicknamed #HeroRATs, make them excellent detectors of #landmines, tuberculosis and more.
#APOPO #powerfulnose #tinybutmighty #innovation
The African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) has large pouches in its cheeks for storing food. Coarse fur except on their long tail, which helps with balance and coordination. The tails also help dissipate heat for temperature regulation. #HeroRATs #APOPO #powerfulnose
Before #HeroRATs ever set foot on a minefield, they go through discrimination training: learning what to detect, AND what to ignore. Through carefully structured sessions using positive reinforcement, #APOPO trainers build focus & confidence. #ClickerTraining #PowerfulNose
APOPO uses #clickertraining to train #HeroRATs. Handlers use a clicker to signal to the animal that they have performed the desired behavior and will receive a reward. #APOPO has successfully trained hundreds of rats to save lives! #powerfulnose #animaltraining #animalheroes
We've been featured on BBC’s Unexpected Elements podcast! From playful rats to ratting people out, and even our very own #HeroRATs detecting TB — this dives deep into all things ratty.
🎙️ Tune in: bbc.co.uk/programmes/w...
#APOPO #TBDetection #UnexpectedElements #PowerfulNose
Our vision is to create a better world as a global leader in scent detection animals. APOPO’s Training and Innovation Center is in Tanzania. Trained mine detection rats (aka #HeroRATs) are spread across operations in Angola, Cambodia, and Azerbaijan.
#APOPO #powerfulnose
Naturally, rats use their sense of smell for survival. They have poor vision, but sensitive noses. At #APOPO, rats use their natural scavenger behavior to find landmines. Our #HeroRATs are capable of smelling explosives in minute picogram quantities. #powerfulnose #scentdetection
"It’s always a proud moment when a rat completes training and begins their career. I know they’ll be saving lives." – Bahati, #HeroRAT Trainer
All of #APOPO's rats are trained at our Training and Innovation Center in Tanzania.
#PowerfulNose #ScentDetection #Baraka
Not all heroes wear capes...
The highly developed sense of smell and light weight of our African giant pouched rats, nicknamed #HeroRATs, make them excellent detectors of #landmines, tuberculosis and more.
#APOPO #powerfulnose #tinybutmighty #innovation #rats
It's Thursday, I can smell the weekend from here!
They might have poor vision, but they have an incredibly sensitive nose. #HeroRATs use their sense of smell to save lives—finding landmines, detecting TB, and more.
#APOPO #SavingLives #PowerfulNose #AfricanGiantPouchedRat
