Being a ranger is more than wildlife conservation and protection. These men and women are bringing income to their communities, and sustaining livelihoods and the environment. We know it’s not easy; we honour and recognise rangers for what they do for our heritage, and for the future of the planet. Peace Parks Foundation is committed to supporting them in their roles.
Werner Myburgh, CEO of Peace Parks Foundation
From monitoring species and removing snares, to anti-poaching patrols and engaging with communities, a ranger’s workload blends security, advocacy and science. They understand the interconnectedness of the resources we rely on, and play a key role in protecting people and nature, and restoring vast landscapes. It is a calling and a challenge which often goes unnoticed.
Leticia Matlhombe, field ranger in Mozabique’s Banhine National Park, embodies the passion, determination and work ethic the role demands. “I feel very honoured to contribute to conserving biodiversity and to have direct contact with nature,” she says. “Patrolling isn’t something easy, but we are well-prepared to respond to any emergency situation that may arise. Being a ranger has been a tremendous learning experience for me, and I’ve also found a new family here. We share a strong bond and work well together, and we’re extremely happy and fulfilled. I hope to become an expert in what I do, and to create positive change.”
Celebrating Rangers: Guardians of Nature in Banhine
Canine companions, anti-poaching assets
Reinforcing teams and teamwork is key to ranger capabilities, which accounts for canine as well as human resources. Working alongside their tracking companions, ranger dog handlers have a sizable anti-poaching advantage. Statistics show that poacher apprehension grows from under 10% to over 60% when a dog and ranger double-act is at play.
What made me want to be K9 handler was that, in my childhood, I didn’t get along well with dogs. Over time I grew up and gained a passion for dogs, and so I saw an opportunity to stay close to Chicago.
Lusbem Armando Romao, ranger and dog handler in Zinave National Park, working alongside his companion Chicago
Celebrating Rangers: Guardians of Nature in Zinave
Ranger training: strengthening skills, instilling values, protecting rights
Professional ranger training programmes, led by specialist organisations in partnership with Peace Parks, range from leadership, law enforcement and first aid, to crucial human rights protocols and environmental crime expertise.
Peace Parks’ approach to building these strengths is ensuring that rangers fulfil their responsibilities towards protecting people and nature respectfully, and are also themselves treated with respect. The Ranger Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures, which guide anti-poaching operations in the protected areas where Peace Parks works, honour this. The framework ensures that working conditions for rangers are improved, and they are safe and supported by Human Rights Law, to protect the lives, health and dignity of individuals – from rangers and communities to poaching suspects.
As rangers, we recognise the importance of removing barriers and building bridges between people and nature. We will always strive to be guardians of the environment, to protect laws and uphold the principle of human rights.
Brendon Persens, Field Ranger Trainer at the Southern African Wildlife College
The Southern African Wildlife College provides human rights training for rangers in the protected areas where Peace Parks operates. In 2023, 218 rangers completed the human rights course in Mozambique’s Banhine, Limpopo, Maputo and Zinave national parks, returning to the field better equipped to address anti-poaching as peacefully and fairly as possible. This training is offered annually in all areas within Peace Parks’ footprint.
Seeing to rangers’ wellbeing
Without wellbeing, training alone cannot provide rangers with everything they need; getting a good night’s sleep is critically important when working long hours in tough environments. To support a well-rested ranger force, accommodation in Banhine, Limpopo, Maputo and Nyika national parks, in Mozambique and Malawi, has been a significant investment by Peace Parks. A greater and better supported ranger workforce not only reduces patrol areas per individual, but also increases the effectiveness of law enforcement. Since 2015, Zinave National Park’s ranger numbers have risen to 72, a significant crime deterrent and boost to active law enforcement.
With this commitment to keeping the peace, local people both benefit from, and bolster, ranger efforts and successes. When communities engage with rangers, they can recognise the importance of protecting and preserving wildlife and landscapes, working towards a stable and sustainable environment becomes collaborative – and youth are empowered and aspire to become rangers themselves.
What inspires me most about our rangers is their selfless commitment to the cause of conservation. They are relentless in never giving up and are often prepared to put their lives on the line. I am convinced that they will continue to carry themselves with great pride and integrity, set an example for the next generation of rangers, and continue to strive to keep our wild spaces safe. For me personally, it is a great honour and privilege to be a part of this worthy family of warriors.
Ken Maggs, Peace Parks’ Counter Poaching Unit Manager
Peace Parks Foundation would like to commend and celebrate the rangers we rely upon daily throughout southern Africa for their dedication to a peaceful, sustainable and biodiverse future for us all.
