Watch Detecting Danger - Africa's Giant Rats

Detecting Danger - Africa's Giant Rats is a documentary film that explores the incredible abilities and usefulness of trained rats in detecting landmines and tuberculosis in Tanzania. Directed by Terri Randall, the film is a fascinating look at the innovation and challenges of using these animals to tackle some of Africa's most pressing issues.

The film begins by introducing the audience to the main subject of the film - HeroRATs. These rats, bred in Tanzania, are given rigorous training to detect landmines and tuberculosis using their incredible sense of smell. We learn that these rats are nothing like the common pest species that people associate with dirt and disease - they are intelligent, social creatures that thrive on positive reinforcement.

The documentary then moves on to the problem of landmines in Tanzania. The landmine crisis is a legacy of civil wars and political instability over the years, and poses a serious threat to the people living in affected areas. Traditional methods of mine detection can be incredibly slow and labor-intensive, making it difficult to clear areas quickly enough to protect civilians. This is where the HeroRATs come in - their small size and keen sense of smell make them perfect for sniffing out the explosives in landmines.

The film shows us the process of training these rats to detect the explosives. The rats are placed in cages with various containers, each containing a different scent. When the rats indicate that they have detected the target scent - by pawing at a particular container, for example - they are rewarded with a treat. Over time, they come to associate the reward with the target scent, and can be trained to detect it much more quickly and efficiently than traditional detection methods.

We also meet some of the handlers who work with the rats every day. They explain that the rats can cover an area of 200 square meters in just 20 minutes, which is an incredible improvement on traditional mine detection methods. We also see how the handlers form close bonds with their rats, talking to them and praising them for their work. It's clear that these rats are more than just tools - they are valued members of the team.

The documentary then turns its attention to the problem of tuberculosis in Tanzania. This disease kills thousands of people every year, and can be incredibly difficult to detect in its early stages. Again, the HeroRATs provide an innovative solution - they are trained to detect the scent of the bacteria in saliva samples, making it much easier to diagnose the disease before it becomes too serious.

We follow the rats as they undergo training to detect tuberculosis, learning how to indicate the presence of bacteria by pawing at a specific box. We also see the laboratory where the samples are analyzed, and the medical staff who work with the rats to diagnose patients. The film does an excellent job of explaining the science behind the detection process, without becoming too technical or overwhelming for the audience.

Throughout the film, we are also given glimpses of the beautiful Tanzanian landscape and the people who live there. The film doesn't shy away from the difficulties that these communities face, from the danger posed by landmines to the lack of access to adequate medical care. However, there is also a sense of hope and resilience - the HeroRATs are an example of how innovation and determination can make a real difference in people's lives.

Overall, Detecting Danger - Africa's Giant Rats is a deeply engaging and informative documentary film. It explores a topic that is often overlooked in mainstream media - the use of animals in solving human problems - and does so with sensitivity, respect, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. The HeroRATs themselves are fascinating creatures, and the film does an excellent job of showcasing their abilities and personalities. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in science, technology, and animal-human interactions.

Detecting Danger - Africa's Giant Rats is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes.