Elephants to detect landmines

Recently I came across a news report of this daily which says that elephants can detect landmines. In a study in South Africa, researchers have proven that these giant creatures can sniff out explosives using their sense of smell.

We know that landmines are often buried (not very deep) in the ground. When landmines are stepped on or driven over, the pressure makes them explode. The result can be death or the loss of one or more limbs. Although used as weapons of war, landmines can stay alive for years long after the war has ended. 

We are glad that the US Army Research Office, who funded the study, said that despite their skills, the animals won't be put to work at war. Instead, researchers aim to learn how an elephant smells and then apply this knowledge to electronic sensors.

Mobarak Ali
Gopibagh, Dhaka