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. African People & Wildlife’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 54 rangers and an estimated 500 livelihoods in and around the Somkhanda Game Reserve in Obane, South 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 key role safeguarding the reserve's critically endangered black rhino and other species. Rangers are also the primary priority species monitors responsible for day-to-day monitoring of all priority species on Somkhanda. Outside the reserve, rangers engage in community outreach and training helping communities with a wide range of livelihood support projects.

Impact that 2020 WRC had on Organisation & Rangers:

The 2020 WRC enabled the employment of a core group of rangers, including members of the Anti Poaching Unit at a time when the reserve was under lockdown and there were no funds generated via tourism. Without that support, more rangers would have had to be sent home without earning a salary. Not only did this support enable local livelihoods, but it also enabled the security of the reserve during a time when poaching escalated.

Ongoing effects of the pandemic:

With the absence of international visitors, tourism income remains very low and the lodge is in the process of closing down. Second, whilst there has been a marked decrease in rhino poaching, there has been a substantial increase in bushmeat poaching as hungry communities have no other options. Rangers losing jobs have also meant that their families, who depend on their salaries, have lost access to financial aid.

How support in 2021 could help:

Ongoing support is needed for the employment of rangers on Somkhanda Game Reserve in the absence of tourism. Support is also now required for uniforms, gas for ranger stations and fuel for vehicles so that basic jobs can be performed.

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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

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