About the Wildlife Ranger Challenge: 

COVID-19 has brought tourism revenue to a halt across Africa, threatening the important work and livelihoods of the rangers who protect iconic African wildlife such as elephants, pangolins, rhinos, lions, and more. Ranger teams are now uniting around the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, a running race with one goal: to raise money to support thousands of their fellow rangers. Now is the time to go the extra mile—it’s time to race to support our rangers. Every dollar donated will be matched by the Scheinberg Relief Fund, doubling your generous contribution.

Your contribution will help support 60 rangers and an estimated 330 livelihoods in and around Maputo Special Reserve in Mozambique.

The role of rangers:

Thanks to a translocation programme that began in 2010, Maputo Special Reserve is now thriving with wildlife. The reintroduction of more than 4,600 animals along with rapid development of the area, have on one hand enhanced the tourism offering significantly, but on the other, increased the risks associated with wildlife crime.

In an effort to mitigate these threats, a trained and well-equipped ranger force has been deployed in the reserve. Security teams are supported by a helicopter for rapid response and a digital radio system installed at the newly built operations room. Improved mobility and communication provides the ranger force with the tools needed to effectively safeguard this beautiful reserve.

How your donation will help:

Funds raised by participating in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge could be used to support operational costs (e.g. rations, vehicle costs), dog and helicopter operations, or new uniforms for rangers.

Effects of the pandemic:

There has been a significant increase in illegal activity since the pandemic began, including a notable increase in bushmeat poaching—a probable result of income loss loss due COVID-19.  A number of arrests have been made in relation to illegal smuggling of products (cigarettes, creams etc) and as a result of people wanting to return to South Africa while the borders are closed.

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Tusk is registered with JustGiving in the UK (or GoFundMe.com in the USA). Our online fundraising sites allow you to create a sponsorship form with easy access for your supporters, knowing their money is going directly to Tusk. UK tax-paying donors can enhance their contribution by agreeing to Gift Aid their sponsorship (for every £10 you raise, Tusk will receive another £2.50 from the Government provided you are a UK taxpayer). US supporters wishing to make a tax deductible donation can do so via GoFundMe.com.