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 Luwire Wildlife Conservancy’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 60 rangers and an estimated 5,000 livelihoods in and around the Luwire Wildlife Conservancy in Mozambique. 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:

Luwire plays a major role in reserve-wide security. The vigilance network provided over 80% of the leads related to elephant poaching in the region, which contributed to the collapse of ivory poaching in northern Mozambique. Luwire’s efforts account for the majority of armed poacher arrests and illegal firearms captured. This effort is essential to maintain stability, and prevent a resurgence of environmental crime. The concession acts as the southern boundary to the NSR, and secures 300kms of the Lugenda River. These represent a unique security challenge and opportunity, where effective enforcement in Luwire represses illegal activities affecting the greater Niassa Special Reserve.

Impact that 2020 WRC had on Organisation & Rangers:

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge has not only provided Luwire with a lifeline to keep the rangers employed and wildlife safe, it has brought the Luwire team into an international community of equally passionate and motivated wildlife guardians - providing a sense of camaraderie and support during these challenging times.

Ongoing effects of the pandemic:

Luwire has suffered a 60% reduction in its operating budget. Luwire takes its role as community stakeholder very seriously. The 2021 contingency plan focuses on surviving the current crisis while fully protecting local staff. There is no alternative employment in the Niassa Special Reserve and the poor are more susceptible to the temptations of environmental crime and radical doctrines. Luwire would like to avoid the social damage associated with laying−off staff. 

How support in 2021 could help:

One of the main changes to ranger priorities in 2021 will be the increase in community support. The team will be concentrating on engaging the local communities and keeping Luwire's presence both visible and positive. In order to address the recent influx of artisanal gold miners, the Luwire rangers will be doing joint patrols with local police and reserve scouts. Funding has also been secured to increase the number of helicopter patrol hours. In addition, Luwire's team will be lending support to neighbouring blocks who are struggling with poaching.

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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 Isaac Blackman