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Rats Trained to Combat $20B Wildlife Trafficking Crisis

2/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Tanzania, a groundbreaking initiative is underway as scientists train African giant pouched rats to sniff out illegal wildlife products, including pangolin scales and ivory. Spearheaded by APOPO, this project tackles the staggering $20 billion wildlife trafficking crisis. With the rats already boasting an impressive 90% accuracy, there's optimism for even greater success by 2025.

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Story summary

In Tanzania, a groundbreaking initiative is underway as scientists train African giant pouched rats to sniff out illegal wildlife products, including pangolin scales and ivory. Spearheaded by APOPO, this project tackles the staggering $20 billion wildlife trafficking crisis. With the rats already boasting an impressive 90% accuracy, there's optimism for even greater success by 2025.