Sharing Stories of Resilience and Courage from African Rangers in the Field
Today marks World Ranger Day 2025, 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. Across Africa, nearly 60,000 rangers dedicate themselves to protecting wildlife and wild spaces, sometimes putting their lives on the line. Wildlife conservation NGO, Wild Africa 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.
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. 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.
Globally, there are an estimated 280,000 rangers 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. Yet, despite the urgency, ranger numbers are declining, and the work remains highly dangerous. 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.
Wildlife rangers are passionate individuals, with unique stories of why they pursued this dangerous career, and why they are so dedicated to their work in preserving Africa’s wildlife.
Sergeant Petronella Chigumbura, Deputy Ranger Supervisor, Akashinga East, Zimbabwe, says, “I must keep on protecting this for my children to see. The world must know, even if you are an orphan, even if you are just a divorced woman, you still have the power to protect the animals.”
Bongani Khumalo, Field Ranger at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, pleads, “Please support your local parks and learn more about conservation… respecting nature and telling other people and children why it is important to protect our wildlife. You can also volunteer your time and your skills and make better choices in your daily life to reduce the harm to nature. Let’s all work together to protect what we have now so that our children can also enjoy it in the future,” says Bongani.
Lorna Dax, Programme & Partnership Development Assistant at Save the Rhino Trust, Namibia, says, “I have 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. My message to the community is to continue being the eyes and ears on the ground for us, and also to know that collaboration is very important in conservation — conservation is not a one-man show. Together we can conserve and protect our biodiversity and our rhinos.”
On World Ranger Day, and every day, we pay tribute to the bravery, resilience, and dedication of rangers who protect not only endangered species and fragile ecosystems, but also Africa’s natural heritage that sustains us all. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside them, providing the resources, recognition, and support they need to continue this vital work for generations to come.
