The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a major international crime linked to money laundering, corruption, and other illicit activities. The trade of species like pangolins, elephants, rhinos, and African blackwood poses a significant threat to biodiversity and human health. Efforts to combat IWT involve international treaties, policies, and innovative approaches, including the use of wildlife forensic tools. One promising method is the training and deployment of African giant pouched rats for scent detection work. These rats, with their keen sense of smell and adaptability, show potential in detecting illegally trafficked wildlife products like pangolin scales, rhino horn, elephant ivory, and African blackwood, complementing existing detection technologies.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2024.1444126/full