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 Yankari Game 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 17th 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 80 rangers and an estimated 800 livelihoods in and around the Yankari Game Reserve in Nigeria. 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 Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature.  

Yankari rangers are responsible for protecting the reserve from hunting and livestock grazing. Regular ranger patrols help improve security for endangered lions and elephants as well as maintaining security for surrounding communities.

Impact that 2021 WRC had on Organisation & Rangers:

During a difficult year, the 2021 WRC provided a wonderful and much-needed morale boost both for the Yankari rangers and also for the WCS Nigeria Program.  Training together was fun and the ranger challenge connected us to rangers right across Africa. This had never happened before.  We realised that we were in this together, with common challenges and a common goal.

Ongoing effects of the pandemic:

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, the reserve was closed to visitors and all non-essential activities were suspended. Although the reserve has now reopened, there has been a reduction in tourism revenue due to the pandemic and also as a result of continued insecurity across northern Nigeria.  Unfortunately, counterpart funding to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has not been paid for some years and so WCS has been compelled to fund the shortfall through other means. Thankfully the pandemic has not significantly affected wildlife poaching in Nigeria.

How support in 2022 could help:

Support from the Wildlife Ranger Challenge in 2022 will help replace worn-out boots and uniforms worn by rangers on patrol each day.  Constant use and tough conditions in Yankari mean that boots and uniforms rarely last more than 12 months before they need replacement.  New boots and uniforms are good for ranger morale, and send a message to rangers that their work is valued and that they are respected.

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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.