As the world’s most trafficked animal, Pangolins are right on the edge of extinction. Problems as huge as this need creative solutions. That’s where the Giant African rat squad comes in. Originally trained to detect mines and more recently Tuberculosis patients, the rats are now turning their attention to the Pangolin illegal trade. And it’s the midst of a pandemic created by this illegal commerce that these are being trained to recognise the smell of pangolin parts. The rat’s small size, agility and olfactory prowess allows them to slip through small cracks, gaps, between crates, to be deployed in airports, shipping ports and national parks and stop the poachers in their tracks. As loveable as Pangolins, these giant rats are a delight to watch!