More than 2,000 wildlife and marine rangers from 21 African countries crossed the finish line in the seventh Wildlife Ranger Challenge last Saturday, marking the largest continental event dedicated to Africa’s frontline conservation workers.
Organised by international conservation charity Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA), the challenge brought together 166 ranger teams who simultaneously completed 21-kilometre races while carrying up to 22 kilograms of equipment across some of Africa’s most important conservation landscapes.
In Botswana, the challenge brought together wildlife rangers, conservation partners, communities and supporters for a 21-kilometre walk and marathon from Sexaxa to Shashe VDC. Organised in partnership with Wildlife Impact and & Beyond, the event highlighted the dedication and resilience of rangers working on the frontline to protect the country’s wildlife and natural heritage, while raising public awareness about the demanding nature of their work and strengthening support for conservation efforts.
The annual event, launched in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, has grown into Africa’s largest initiative celebrating wildlife rangers and supporting their welfare. Since its inception, it has raised more than US$25 million for ranger training, equipment and welfare programmes, benefiting more than 11,500 rangers. Organisers expect this year’s challenge to generate an additional US$3 million, pushing total funds raised to about US$28 million.
Tusk Chief Conservation Officer Chantal Migongo-Bake said the challenge highlighted the vital role rangers play in protecting Africa’s natural heritage while drawing attention to the need for greater investment in their welfare and safety. She noted that Africa currently has only one-fifth of the ranger workforce needed to effectively protect its wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Following two months of preparation that included tactical quizzes and physical challenges, ranger teams tested their endurance through synchronised races held across the continent. Regional hub events took place in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Zambia, with affiliated races staged in several other countries.
Among the regional winners were Kidepo National Park in Uganda, which claimed both the men’s and women’s titles, Mountain Bongo Project and IFAW Olgulului in Kenya, and South Africa’s Marula North and Black Mambas teams. Final overall results are expected after race data from all participating countries is analysed.
Tusk Chief Conservation Officer Chantal Migongo-Bake said the challenge highlighted the vital role rangers play in protecting Africa’s natural heritage while drawing attention to the need for greater investment in their welfare and safety. She noted that Africa currently has only one-fifth of the ranger workforce needed to effectively protect its wildlife and natural ecosystems.
According to organisers, Africa relies on about 65,000 rangers but requires an estimated 345,000 personnel to adequately secure its protected areas and meet global biodiversity targets. GRAA Chief Executive Officer Louise de Bruin said the challenge was an opportunity for the world to stand in solidarity with Africa’s rangers by investing in their safety, wellbeing and future. Funds raised through this year’s event will support ranger units across the continent through operational funding, equipment purchases, medical insurance and specialised training programmes.
