Rats trained to sniff out smuggled rhino horn and pangolin scales

African giant pouched rats trained to alert their handlers when they find illegally trafficked wildlife products

Rats could be the latest weapon deployed in the fight against endangered wildlife trafficking, according to a study of rodents trained to sniff out pangolin scales, rhino horns, elephant tusks and hardwood.

Researchers trained eight African giant pouched rats to sniff out the contraband, even when it was hidden among items commonly used to hide trafficked goods, including peanuts, leaves, wigs and washing powder.