Unsung Heroes: Navigating daily threats in the wild

By John Cassim

Harare, Zimbabwe – Two days before World Rangers Day on July 29 this year, the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) announced that two of its rangers were injured by elephants in the Sengwa, Chirisa Safari Area.

“One suffered a broken arm while fleeing, while the other was gored, sustaining abdominal wounds and fractures to his arm and leg. The incident occurred after the duo was deployed to investigate a reported case of a snared buffalo that was perceived to be a potential danger to the community. On the way, they encountered a herd of elephants with calves, which charged at them, forcing them to flee in different directions. A helicopter is en-route to airlift both rangers to Harare for urgent medical attention,” announced Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

Such accidents occur daily across the globe and send chills down the spines of ordinary people, yet rangers’ soldier on despite facing death. What comes to mind first is concern regarding the safety of rangers in general, whether they are insured against such accidents, and what could possibly happen if the world woke up one day without such brave men and women.

In their quest to protect and conserve wildlife, rangers put their lives on the line, hence the recognition of their contribution on World Rangers Day each year on July 31. This year it was celebrated under the theme “Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation.”

Across Africa, nearly 60,000 rangers dedicate themselves to protecting wildlife and wild spaces. 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 organized 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.

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.

In Zimbabwe, a wildlife conservation NGO, Wild Africa, connected with rangers who shared their personal stories from the field and highlighted the courage and sacrifices required for this demanding profession. Wild Africa interviewed Akashinga rangers, one of Africa’s first all-female anti-poaching ranger units, based in both Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Sergeant Margaret Darawanda, Deputy Head of Operations, Akashinga East, said, “The most dangerous thing is to come across an armed poacher. They will try to stop you from disturbing them because they know it’s illegal. We have to understand that everything has a right to live.”

Sergeant Petronella Chigumbura, Deputy Ranger Supervisor, Akashinga East, said, “I will 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.”

“We applaud the unwavering passion and bravery of our rangers, who endure immense challenges to safeguard wildlife for present and future generations. Their dedication is a testament to the power of conservation and a beacon of hope for a sustainable future,” said Moreangels Mbizah, Founder of Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA).