• The current pressures on Africa’s protected areas threaten to compromise decades of development and conservation success.
• Africa’s rangers are stretched to capacity and continue to see drastic cuts in resources and an increase in poaching due to the devastating economic impact of Covid-19
Image: Ol Pejeta
Kenya wildlife rangers are set to join their counterparts across Africa to raise at least Sh500 million by September.
The funds are aimed at protecting iconic wildlife and consolidating recent gains in conservation on the back of challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The rangers will commence their participation in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge that brings together 150 ranger teams across 20 African countries ahead of World Ranger Day slated for July 31.
The rangers will take part in a series of physical challenges starting this month and culminating in a half-marathon race on September 18.
The campaign will use the power of ranger voices, influencers and celebrities to issue a call to action to the public to support Africa’s rangers by donating to the Ranger Fund or by taking part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge in solidarity, wherever they are in the world.
This comes even as Kenyan rangers raised concerns that the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will put their significant anti-poaching gains at risk, especially with the gradual reopening of the tourism sector and other economic activities.
“In the past year, rangers have had to be more vigilant than ever and enhance surveillance while repeatedly putting their lives on the line. Illegal activity due to widespread loss of income is on the rise and while combating this activity, rangers are at risk of contracting Covid-19,” Edwin Kinyanjui said.
Kinyanjui is the senior wildlife community officer of Mount Kenya Trust.
“Poaching methods are also increasingly becoming sophisticated and the justice system overstretched. We keep going because we understand that what we are fighting for is bigger than us,” he added.
Data shows that for the first time in 21 years, the Kenya Wildlife Service reported zero rhinos and a record low of 11 elephants poached in 2020.
Rhino Ark, however, noted that these gains are at risk, adding that tourist revenues have dropped by 96 per cent, triggering budget cuts to government wildlife and forest security programs.
This decrease in ranger activity is starting to see an increase in bushmeat poaching and associated crimes.
The 2nd WRC edition launched on Monday is expected to go towards the conservation of African wildlife and support of rangers with this year’s initiative expected to consolidate and enhance gains made during the first edition that took place in 2020.
At least Sh100 million was raised in 2020 to support over 9,000 rangers who collectively work to protect more than 4,000,000 km2 of conservation areas across Africa providing salaries, equipment, and operating costs.
The current pressures on Africa’s protected areas threaten to compromise decades of development and conservation success.
Africa’s rangers are stretched to capacity and continue to see drastic cuts in resources and an increase in poaching due to the devastating economic impact of Covid-19.
A new survey, conducted by Tusk and Natural State with 60 field conservation organisations across 19 African countries, found that Wildlife Rangers see no relief in sight, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact Africa’s communities and wildlife.
“Covid-19 has presented unique challenges to our Akashinga Program [in Zimbabwe]. The pandemic has significantly impacted and continues to impact, our anti-poaching operations.
"There has been an alarming spike in the rate of ivory-related arrests made by our team over the last year,” International Anti-Poaching Foundation in Zimbabwe Sergeant Nyaradzo Hoto said.
“The poachers will not rest despite the pandemic, so it is up to us to maintain operations. This is proving a challenge, but one we are resolving well as a team.
"We stand strong in our commitment to patrol the vast wilderness areas we are entrusted with and protect those that can’t fend for themselves against poachers."
The initiative is organised by It is being Tusk and Natural State in conjunction with leading ranger associations in partnership with Scheinberg Relief Fund, Game Rangers Association of Africa and the International Ranger Federation.