The Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2021
The Malilangwe Trust is raising money for Tusk Trust
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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 Malilangwe Trust’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 94 rangers and an estimated 853 livelihoods in and around the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe. 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:
The Malilangwe scouts have dual roles of law enforcement and wildlife monitoring. Each day, whilst on patrol, they monitor and collect data on the rhino population and other keystone and endangered species within the Reserve. This data is compiled into an extensive database for scientific research.
The scouts respond to any incident, specifically to anti-poaching. They also assist government authorities with off-property relevant investigations. They engage with neighbouring communities which forge strong positive relationships to enhance the value of conservation awareness and build a communication network within the area.
Ongoing effects of the pandemic:
At the start of 2020, the world did not envision the pandemic lasting this long. In Zimbabwe, lockdowns, salary cuts, closure of schools, job losses have all affected the surrounding communities. This has placed consistent pressure on natural resources and has increased the poverty scale. This has led to a rise in subsistence poaching in the communities. There is further pressure on our scouts to support extra households in their areas due to job losses by family members. As travel begins to open up, there is a market for the illegal wildlife trade to continue.
How support in 2021 could help:
The lack of online schooling for children in the surrounding communities affected both the scouts children and Malilangwe's junior rangers. The exams that have been paid for were failed by most children in 2020 and with limited school time this trend will sadly continue. Malilangwe therefore wishes to upscale the e-learning capacity to have a broader reach in the surrounding communities.
New scouts equipment, including life-saving first aid supplies need replacement due to the harsh conditions of the Lowveld climate.
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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 Michele Fortmann