World Ranger Day 2025: Protect our wildlife protectors

Across Africa, nearly 60 000 rangers dedicate themselves to protecting wildlife and wild spaces, sometimes putting their lives on the line. Yesterday marked World Ranger Day 2025 and was celebrated under the theme “Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation.”

This annual initiative honours the critical work of rangers worldwide and commemorates those rangers who suffered in the line of duty.

Wildlife conservation NGO WILDAFRICA has connected with rangers across the continent to share their personal stories from the field and highlight the courage and sacrifices required for this demanding profession.

According to the organisation, Africa is grappling with a significant conservation crisis driven by rapid human population growth, and the expansion of urban developments, poaching and other wildlife crimes, climate change, and deforestation.

These pressures are leading to habitat loss and a decline in countless species.

Wild Arica said that rangers are at the forefront of addressing these challenges, working to secure protected areas so that ecosystems can function effectively for the benefit of both wildlife and people.

“The role of a ranger extends well beyond wildlife protection as they also provide environmental education, act as first responders, engage in law enforcement, manage fires, and conduct community outreach,” WILDAFRICA said in a media statement.

It said that globally, an estimated 280 000 rangers are carrying out these diverse and essential tasks, but this number falls far short of what is needed to meet global conservation targets. To protect 30% of the planet by 2030, approximately 1.5 million rangers will be required, according to WILDAFRICA.

“Yet, despite the urgency, ranger numbers are declining, and the work remains highly dangerous.”



Challenges

Between 2006 and 2021, 2 351 rangers died while on duty globally, with nearly half (42.2%) of these fatalities resulting from criminal activity, often linked to wildlife crime and organised poaching operations. Other challenges that rangers face include time away from their families, long hours of solitude, traumatic confrontations with poachers and being ostracised by their communities following arrests.

“I became a ranger to play an important role in our community to protect wildlife for future generations. My interest is to sensitise my community about nature conservation. What I love most about being a ranger is that I have become an ambassador in our conservancy, whereby I am sharing my knowledge with my community, and I play an important role in managing and preserving our conservancy,” said Natasha Gomes, Rhino Ranger at Hûab Conservancy.

Lorna Dax, programme and partnership development assistant at Save the Rhino Trust, said that she has seen the benefits of conservation within the local communities where employment opportunities are very rare.

“World Ranger Day is meaningful to me because it gives us the opportunity as communities, as support NGOs, and as Save the Rhino Trust to show appreciation to our rangers and also to remember those who have passed on and are no longer with us.”

Heiki Haukongo, ranger at N/a’an ku sê Foundation, said being a ranger gives him a chance to combine his love for nature with his desire to protect it.

“Being a ranger is more than just a job for me; it is a calling to ensure that these beautiful species remain accessible for future generations. It allows me to connect with people, with nature, and with history, while contributing to the preservation of vulnerable species. It is not an easy job; you have to spend a lot of time away from your family.”