You can follow campaign updates on social media with #ForWildlifeRangers or find out more at WildlifeRangerChallenge.org.

About the Wildlife Ranger Challenge:

Covid-19 has created a temporary safer world for Africa’s wildlife. But the floodgates are opening as the economic impacts of Covid drive more poaching. With tourism gone, the rangers who care for wildlife lack the resources to do their jobs. The Game Rangers Association of Africa’s ranger teams are joining thousands of others across the continent taking part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, a series of physical and mental challenges, culminating in a 21km virtual race on Saturday 18th September.

You can join them! Show your support and sign up to run or walk with the community game scout team from wherever you are in the world:  WildlifeRangerChallenge.org/registration. Now is the time to go the extra mile to support our rangers!

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Your contribution will help support 1700 rangers and an estimated 8500 livelihoods across Africa. Every dollar we raise via JustGiving will earn an additional 25% match!

Your donation also helps to unlock vital funds for other ranger teams across Africa; the Scheinberg Relief Fund will donate the equivalent of 75% of the amount raised to the Ranger Fund!

The role of rangers:

Rangers play a diverse and critical role as the guardians of wild Africa. Their roles are multifaceted and they work across law enforcement, wildlife monitoring, conservation management, community relations, visitor safety and operational infrastructure maintenance. Our mission is to benefit Africa’s rangers by providing networks, representation and ensuring they have the necessary capability and support to perform their duties protecting the wildlife and wild places of Africa.

Impact that 2020 WRC had on Organisation & Rangers:

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge played an important part in the activities of the Game Rangers Association of Africa in 2020. It provided a focal point and challenge for us to bring our membership (and other rangers) together and build camaraderie across Africa. As an organising partner we were also able to help direct funds to where they were needed most. 

Ongoing effects of the pandemic:

The pandemic continues to make raising of funds for ranger support difficult in a resource scarce environment. We have lost some key donors due to the financial burdens being placed on them during Covid-19. This has resulted in us having to scale back some of our key initiatives in ranger support such as training bursaries and provision of accidental death, disability and medical evacuation insurance cover to our ranger members.

How support in 2021 could help:

Support generated during the WRC 2021 would be earmarked for supporting rangers in need. With a membership of over 1700 rangers we have developed many worthwhile projects that need your support. For example our Ranger Care initiative which is to improve ranger wellbeing. For every $45 raised we would be able to provide accidental death, disability and medical evacuation cover for a ranger for 1 year.

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Tusk Trust Limited is a charity registered in England and Wales, No: 1186533, and a company registered in England and Wales, No: 11948023. 

In the US, “The Friends of Tusk Fund” donor advised fund is administered by CAF America (Tax ID 68-0480736)

Donors who pay tax in the UK can enhance their donation through Gift Aid, meaning that for every £10 raised, Tusk can recover an additional £2.50 for the cause from the UK Government.

US supporters wishing to make a tax deductible donation please click here.

Main photo courtesy of Peter Chadwick as part of the GRAA Ranger Legacy Project.