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The Wildlife Ranger Challenge: A call to action for conservation
BY NOTHANDO DUBE
In Hwange, wildlife rangers are the unsung heroes of conservation efforts. Despite facing numerous challenges such as inadequate equipment, insufficient training, and meager wages, they continue to play a vital role in protecting Africa’s precious wildlife.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge, coordinated by Tusk and Wildlife Rangers Association of Africa, aims to support these rangers by raising funds for their welfare and upkeep. The fifth edition of this event took place on Saturday and was hosted by Painted Dog Conservation (PDC). The 21km marathon started at Dete’s Cross Mabale and ended at Main camp, with the goal of creating a united front for conservation and driving donations to support Africa’s biodiversity guidance.
“Rangers often face a number of challenges, which include lack of adequate equipment, necessary training, and their wage is generally very low,” said Samson Chibaya, Senior Regional Manager of Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority who was the guest speaker at the event.
“This event creates a united front for conservation, driving donations to secure vital funding to run in tandem with Africa’s biodiversity guidance.”
Chibaya also emphasized the importance of supporting the rangers, saying, “There has to be a well-coordinated arrangement that ensures that the coordinated funds get to the rangers. That is why I say, can we take this ranger challenge possibly to another level, so that it can be seen for the benefit that we approve to the rangers.”
Chief Nelukoba, who officially opened the event, encouraged the organizers to keep up the good work in bringing more donors to help in conserving wildlife. He praised the efforts of rangers, saying, “This is very remarkable, we need such people who will help in conserving our own trees, animals, and even the soil.”
Councilor Jinn Sibanda appealed to stakeholders to capacitate the community on the importance of wildlife and nature. He applauded the recruitment of more female rangers, which has helped minimize poaching challenges.
Ronnie Sibanda from Painted Dog Conservation highlighted that the Rangers Challenge has raised over $18 million since 2020 to support rangers’ equipment, training, and remuneration.
This event, held on the same day in 24 African countries has brought together thousands of rangers and supporters globally, driving awareness of the importance of conservation and the challenges that rangers face. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting the welfare and upkeep of these brave men and women who risk their lives daily to protect Africa’s precious wildlife.
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