Koh Ker Temple: Four-Legged Heroes Clear Landmines

via UNESCO, 20 June 2024: The demining of Koh Ker  was achieved with the help of trained dogs and mine-detecting rats. This operation, funded by UNESCO, has enhanced the safety and heritage conservation of the area, which includes 127 archaeological remains and 76 historic temples. The effort has also promoted local agricultural stability and prevented illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts.

The demining operation relied on a team of human and animal technicians – trained dogs and mine-detecting rats, equipped with tracking systems, were at the heart of the operation.

It takes a year to become a HeroRats. At the start of APOPO training, the animals learn to recognise a tea egg containing explosives. On contact with the egg, they detect a noise and their taste buds are rewarded. Gradually, the animals acclimatise to conditions similar to those in the field, hone their sense of smell and become perfectly familiar with the scent of explosives. Accompanied by a metal detector, people can take up to four days to detect a mine, whereas rats need just 30 minutes to search an area the size of a tennis court.

HeroDogs, meanwhile, are spotted in training centers: when a dog shows talent and interest, it has the potential to become a hero. The animal is then taken under the wing of a handler who will accompany it. A close relationship between dog and handler is essential to the success of the mission. The future hero must pass all tests with 100% success before being sent into the field.

In all, more than 300,000 m² were secured. Four landmines and three pieces of unexploded ordnance were discovered.

Source: Dogs and rats team up to clear Koh Ker temple of landmines