From the 'can't make it up' files: Landmine Clearance. With Rats
(Thanks to 
telophase for the links)
Mozambique has been declared landmine-free (which, obviously, does not mean completely utterly) - and rather than opting for a high-technology solution, the agents used are... Gambian pouched rats. (Not true rats, just close cousins.)
(Click through for the Flickr set of rats and handlers)
There's an AMA on Reddit
Here's a storify (with pictures) of a day in the life of a minefield medic
https://www.apopo.org/en/
I haven't followed all of the links, but this is one impressive project!
Also posted at http://green-knight.dreamwidth.org/1060084.html where it has gathered
comments. If you're reading at both sites, I'd prefer comments at DW.
telophase for the links)
Mozambique has been declared landmine-free (which, obviously, does not mean completely utterly) - and rather than opting for a high-technology solution, the agents used are... Gambian pouched rats. (Not true rats, just close cousins.)
(Click through for the Flickr set of rats and handlers)
There's an AMA on Reddit
Here's a storify (with pictures) of a day in the life of a minefield medic
https://www.apopo.org/en/
I haven't followed all of the links, but this is one impressive project!
Also posted at http://green-knight.dreamwidth.org/1060084.html where it has gathered
comments. If you're reading at both sites, I'd prefer comments at DW.