Game rangers from across South Africa linked hands with hundreds of their colleagues from across the continent and members of the public in a symbolic 21km ‘race across Africa’ on 18 September as they joined Africa’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge.
As rangers in countries that included Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Mozambique took to park roads in the 2021 edition of the 21km race across Africa, wildlife was continuing to pay the price for a massive increase in poaching caused by the Covid-19 pandemic across the sector.
‘Ultimately, the protection of our collective heritage and biodiversity lies in the bravery and determination of our rangers. These men and women are also fathers, mothers, and community leaders who are also a source of inspiration to young people within their communities.’
Picture: Peter Chadwick.
‘The WILDTRUST salutes them all for their dedication. We are grateful to TUSK for once again including our Somkhanda team in this fundraising initiative,’ said WILDTRUST South Africa’s CEO, Dr Roelie Kloppers shared after,
‘The impact of the pandemic has been widespread and, across Africa and South Africa has seen massive reductions in eco-tourism and wildlife-driven tourism revenues. This has led to cut budgets. A reduction in staff who would normally be actively fighting to poach has followed. Most seriously, communities living near reserves who relied on tourism for their incomes, have been left destitute, forcing many to take to poaching to feed their families.’
‘The dire state of the sector in Africa is reflected in Kenya where wildlife is a major contributor to the economy. Tourism revenues reported by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have dropped by 96%. This has resulted in budget cuts for wildlife and forest security programmes. Bushmeat poaching has escalated within communities. Poaching is expected to grow further as remaining rangers become even more hard-pressed to cope with events as international borders open.’
‘Although South Africa has not been impacted as severely as Kenya and other states, there is no doubt that we are facing the same issues. We felt it was our duty to support the Wildlife Ranger Challenge and draw the attention of the public to the serious problems facing Africa’s unique heritage- the reserves that attract visitors from across the world and help fund efforts at preserving animals and environments that are at risk.’
Through the support of the donor community and the public, the first edition of the Pan-African Challenge in 2020, raised funds to support over 9 000 rangers across Africa by providing salaries, equipment and covering operating costs that enabled them to provide for their families, protect communities and wildlife.
During August, the fundraising campaign kicked off with endorsement from Tusk’s Royal Patron, HRH The Duke of Cambridge Prince William and Olympic marathon gold medallist Eliud Kipchoge, encouraging the public to register to run the virtual race and donate to the Ranger Fund.
To find out more and to donate to the cause at wildliferangerchallenge.org.
Pictures: Supplied/ Marcus Westberg
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