Tough, passionate, committed and determined. These four words are only the beginning of describing what it takes to be an anti-poaching ranger. Toughness is needed to be out in the field day after day, in all weather conditions, in big 5 territory, working in a dangerous environment, always on alert for poaching attempts and incursions. Passion and commitment are needed to devote themselves to the role and deal with the sacrifices that brings. Determination is needed to carry on in the fight of their lives, at times against all odds, to make a difference to our wildlife.
Rangers on the move © Amaury Falt-Brown
This World Ranger Day, we pay tribute to our incredible team of rangers, who have dedicated their lives to protect our national heritage. Working tirelessly on the ground, their love of wildlife is evident. Our team of rangers is a family, who have forged tight bonds with one another, considering their teammates their brothers.
Our wildlife is in their darkest hour and we are their light.
It is now our fight, and we will never be out of that fight.
Each day out in the field differs, depending on the day’s plans and objectives, but many aspects of a day in the life of an anti-poaching ranger are the same. On a day shift on patrol, the starts are early, before sunrise, beginning with preparation and planning, or training if the rangers are joined by their K9 teammates. Operational reports commence, weapons and day packs are prepared, and base camp is tidied before departure.
Our rangers are required to carry a large amount of equipment to be prepared for all eventualities. Beretta chest webbings, sponsored to our unit by the Noctuam Poaching Prevention Academy, are worn daily. These hold an array of essential items, including cell phone, radio, pepper spray, Leatherman knife, medical pack including trauma kit, torch, spare batteries, ammunition and weapon accessories.
Pit-Track Ranger © Amaury Falt-Brown
Large backpacks, which can weigh up to 40kg, contain food and drink, extra ammunition, spare clothing items, K9 equipment, and other accessories. Weapons are either housed in leg straps, or by hand in the case of rifles. Carrying all of this during hours on the ground requires high levels of physical strength and endurance. Rangers can walk for up to 10 hours per day, covering around 15km in various types of terrain.
Anti-poaching rangers are tough, passionate,
committed and determined.
Setting off on foot, the rangers head out along their designated route. They must be alert and focused at all times, watching and listening to what the bush is telling them. Fresh animal spoor or scat, or alarm calls, suggest dangerous game is in the area. Vulture or hyena activity suggests a carcass could be close by, which will need to be assessed to determine whether the cause was natural or manmade. Human footprints need to be tracked to monitor incursions and illegal activities. Trees, grasslands and scrub areas need to be checked for the presence of snares or traps so they can be removed.
Captain Carl & Balloo © Amaury Falt-Brown
Depending on the day’s plans, hours of tracking by foot are undertaken, or the team will head to an observation post to provide monitoring. Radio and other communications are ongoing to provide and receive updates on activities and objectives. Plans can change quickly if a situation arises that needs urgent attention.
Shifts are long and physically demanding, including climbing trees for better vantage points or checking cameras, backtracking, removing snares and traps and transporting them back to base camp, and travelling long distances to get to a specific location. Drinks and snacks are usually consumed on the go; there are no set break times when out on patrol.
“The war on the ground that is fought every day needs to
continue. Every individual counts now. We need to save that.
Everybody needs to commit in order to make a difference.”
Captain Carl Thornton
Later in the afternoon, it is time to head back to base, with the blessing of seeing the sun set on another day out in the bush. Depending on the distance travelled during the day, the return could take a number of hours. Staying alert is critical during this time, with darkness approaching, lower visibility and changes in animal behaviour.
Ranger hand signalling © Amaury Falt-Brown
But the day doesn’t end on the ranger’s return to base camp. Following a meal, which is typically basic, there are still administrative tasks to undertake, including reports and paperwork. Discussions and plans for the following day are also worked on. Rangers can be called back out into the bush at night when incidents occur, so they must be prepared to move at short notice. With sleep and recovery time for the body vitally important, there is little space for downtime or personal activities. On deployment, the ranger’s focus is on his mission, his teammates and the unit as a whole.
There is no doubt that being a ranger is dangerous. In the last ten years, more than 1,300 rangers have lost their lives while fighting this war. It is a terrible and tragic statistic, and we pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst working to save wildlife. Captain Carl Thornton explains that “it’s a dangerous game. We’re dealing with the highest level of threat that one can bestow on oneself. We’re looking at the most dangerous job in the world. A ranger every three days is being killed trying to protect wildlife”.
Rangers are also required to make significant sacrifices, being away from family and loved ones for long periods and work in physically demanding environments. Carl continues that “it’s so important for people to stick their heads out. It takes individuals to do that. The war on the ground that is fought every day needs to continue. Every individual counts now. We need to save that. Everybody needs to commit in order to make a difference.”
On what drives him as a ranger, Carl says “This is a calling. It’s not something I’m doing for my person, it’s not about me, it’s about protecting the Lord’s creations. I’m honoured to be out there, to be part of it. It’s heartbreaking. I’ve seen so much devastation. Rhino, elephant, pangolin and lion poaching. Seeing these animals decimated has really been gut-wrenching. It’s not easy. I believe in what I’m doing and all that I want to see is a difference made in my lifetime.”
Rangers on patrol © Pit-Track
We are blessed and honoured to have a dedicated team of rangers comprising our unit. They work diligently and energetically and are proud to be undertaking critically important initiatives. We must celebrate the wins, big and small, as a team, knowing that, despite the challenges we face, our efforts are making a difference in the conservation of our most endangered species. We believe that the biggest threat our wildlife faces today is the thought that someone else will save them. Our team is not waiting for or relying on others. Our wildlife is in their darkest hour and we are their light. It is now our fight, and we will never be out of that fight.
1,300 rangers have lost their lives while fighting this
war… we pay tribute to those who have made the
ultimate sacrifice whilst working to save wildlife.
We thank all of the rangers working out in the field across Africa to preserve and protect our precious wildlife. Without you all, our wildlife wouldn’t stand a chance. We must carry on the fight and do everything in our power to prevail. The animals are counting on us and we cannot and will not let them down. Wildlife for our Future.
Pit-Track Rangers © Pit-Track
