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. Maputo Special Reserve’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 76 rangers and an estimated 330 livelihoods in and around the Maputo Special Reserve 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:

Peace Parks has been working with the Mozambique National Administration for Conservation Areas to support the development of MSR since 2006, including an ambitious rewilding programme, which has seen 4,922 animals translocated to date. In an effort to mitigate wildlife crime, 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 provide the ranger force with the tools needed to effectively safeguard this beautiful reserve.

Ongoing effects of the pandemic:

Covid-19 has resulted in significant numbers of community members moving back from their migrant labour work with no future. Unlike in the other parks in Mozambique where Peace Parks is involved (Banhine, Limpopo and Zinave National Parks), this did not lead to an increase in poaching and illegal natural resource use as rangers managed to keep such illegal activities in check. 

Cash-for-work to provide temporary employment to community members was implemented through Peace Parks Foundation in the second half of last year employing roughly 90 community members. This assisted in ensuring the continued support of the community.

How support in 2021 could help:

The support raised by the Wildlife Ranger Challenge would be used towards boosting morale and encouraging performance amongst rangers. Such support could be used to fund patrol equipment, supplements of rations and incentives.

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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