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Scientists train rats to detect smuggled wildlife trophies

Researchers have successfully trained African giant pouched rats to sniff rhino horns, elephant tusks, and pangolin scales. [iStockphoto]

A rat, on a leash, on a mission. That is what we might soon see in ports and airports as rats become the next big thing in the fight against illegal wildlife trade.

This comes after researchers successfully trained African giant pouched rats to sniff rhino horns, elephant tusks, and pangolin scales.

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