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Cambodia unveils statue honoring mine-detecting rat Magawa

Human interestHuman interest
Key Points
  • A statue of mine-detecting rat Magawa has been unveiled in Cambodia, the first such honor for a rat in the country.
  • Magawa reportedly cleared over 141,000 square meters of land and could search a tennis court-sized area in 20 minutes.
  • Landmines are a major risk in Cambodia, affecting over a million people, with a goal to be mine-free by 2030.

A statue of Magawa, a mine-detecting rat, has been unveiled in Cambodia, marking the first time a rat has been honored with a statue in the country. Magawa was awarded a medal for his lifesaving work. According to reports, Magawa could search an area the size of a tennis court in 20 minutes and cleared over 141,000 square meters of land during his active years.

Landmines remain a significant risk in Cambodia, with over a million people estimated to live and work in areas where mines are present. The country aims to be mine-free by 2030.

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