A rat has been given a distinguished award bravery his services to humanity. The valiant rodent is called Magawa. He was awarded a gold medal his seven years of duty sniffing out dozens landmines in Cambodia. He was bestowed the award the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals charity. This is a veterinary charity based the United Kingdom. The charity explained why Magawa was recognised his courage. It wrote: "The PDSA...seeks to raise the status animals society and honour the incredible contribution they make to our lives. Magawa's dedication, skill and bravery are an extraordinary example this and deserve the highest possible recognition."
Magawa is an African Giant Pouched Rat. He was used the mine-clearing programme because rats are the creatures best suited to safely detect landmines. They are light and have a keen sense smell. In his seven-year stint the front line, Magawa helped to detect 39 landmines and 28 unexploded devices. He helped to clear more than 141,000 square meters land - an area roughly the size 20 soccer pitches. This makes him the most successful rodent the history landmine detection. The charity's chairman said: "This is the very first time our 77-year history honouring animals that we have presented a medal to a rat." Reporters tried to interview Magawa but he was unavailable comment.
