A Ground breaking two-month series of extreme fitness challenges kicks off, designed to highlight the gruelling work of wildlife rangers and raise millions of dollars for the conservation of Africa’s natural landscapes.

The ambitious initiative, known as the wildlife ranger challenge, connects over 170 ranger teams from 24 African countries, symbolizing a growing global solidarity with the wildlife ranger profession.

The challenge involves a rigorous series of mental and physical tests, culminating on September 21, 2024, with a multi-nation half-marathon through some of Africa's most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

According to a press statement issued on the World Ranger Day on July 31, the challenge has been organized by Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA), and supported by the Scheinberg Relief Fund.

The event builds on its successful debut in 2020, which raised over $18.5 million. These funds have been instrumental in supporting more than 13,300 wildlife rangers who protect over 60 million hectares of Africa’s wilderness—an area larger than Kenya.

Precious Malapane, Operations Manager, K9 Unit Ranger and Dog Trainer of Southern African Wildlife College said the challenge is about honouring rangers, who work as nature’s eyes and ears.

“The more funds that are raised through WRC, the more boots on the ground there will be to protect the natural world. It is our duty to make sure we protect wildlife for future generations. I don’t want my children to know about Rhino from photographs. They need to see them alive, free and walking on the savanna,” she said.

Charlie Mayhew OBE, Founder and President of Tusk said: “We all know this is a critical time in the story of life on earth. In less than 50 years we have lost nearly 70 percent of the planet’s mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. This loss of nature and biodiversity profoundly affects us all: we depend on it for survival. One pragmatic strategy to help halt the loss of nature is to fully recognise, respect and invest in the vital work of wildlife rangers: thousands of brave men and women who work as guardians of vast areas of the planet’s land and water.”

Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of GRAA, said that despite the risks they take and the incalculable value of their contribution to conservation, Africa's wildlife rangers are often undervalued, under-resourced, under-paid and under-equipped.

Campbell noted that African rangers experience poor working conditions, long hours, absence of adequate training and the lack of essential equipment such as first aid kits, boots, radios, tents, and vehicles.

He added: “In order to protect the planet’s remaining biodiversity, we must fully recognise that wildlife rangers are key workers of conservation and are integral to urgent global efforts to maintain the world’s ecological balance.”

Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk said: “The internationally agreed biodiversity plan would require a huge increase in the number of employed wildlife rangers needed to achieve climate mitigation and biodiversity goals. Focused events such as the WRC allow Ranger teams to unlock much needed grants and galvanise international support for the profession.”

The wildlife ranger challenge has become a lifeline for Africa’s rangers. It raises vital matched funds that help to improve working conditions and provide professional training and field equipment.

Despite the vital nature of their varied work with both wildlife and people, the wildlife ranger profession is not fully understood. To be a ranger in Africa is to carry out hazardous and sometimes life-threatening work.

Rangers face threats to life from armed poachers and illegal wildlife trafficking networks, as well as attacks from predatory animals: violence, injury, disease and death are not uncommon in the line of duty. 

They endure tropical diseases, dehydration, bushfires and the isolating effects of long periods away from home.

There is also a critical lack of insurance cover for rangers and their families: 50 percent of Rangers have no life insurance.

The cornerstone of a ranger’s role is liaison with local communities. Rangers act as diplomats, educators, intermediaries and peacekeepers, educating local people as to the broad benefits of wildlife conservation and encouraging them to live peacefully alongside endangered wildlife.

Wildlife rangers play an essential but often overlooked role in preserving Africa’s diverse ecosystems. Their duties extend far beyond the public’s perception of anti-poaching operations. Rangers are involved in habitat monitoring, environmental education, fire management, dog training, ecological research, intelligence gathering, collaring wildlife, and removing snares. They also assist injured animals and serve as emergency first responders for local communities.

The wildlife ranger challenge seeks to elevate the ranger profession, raise awareness of their diverse responsibilities, and secure vital funds for their conservation efforts. It also aims to foster a sense of community among participants, highlighting the collective commitment to protecting Africa’s invaluable natural heritage.