LAGOS/Nigeria: As the world celebrates World Ranger Day 2025, wildlife conservation NGO, Wild Africa, has paid tribute to the unwavering courage and sacrifice of Africa’s wildlife rangers, spotlighting the nearly 60,000 men and women who risk their lives daily to protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems across the continent.
This year’s commemoration, held under the theme “Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation,” honours the vital role rangers play in preserving biodiversity and commemorates those who have fallen in the line of duty. With Africa facing mounting threats from poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, and urban encroachment, rangers are on the frontline of an intensifying battle to defend the continent’s natural heritage.
“Rangers are nature’s first line of defense. Without them, our iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, gorillas, and leopards could disappear forever,” said Linus Unah, West Africa Director for Wild Africa. “Their courage, sacrifice, and relentless dedication keep our national parks and communities safe, protect our wildlife, and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come.” He noted that Africa’s rangers are often under-resourced and under-recognized, yet they continue to patrol dangerous terrain, often facing armed poachers, isolation, and social stigma.
Globally, there are only about 280,000 rangers—far short of the 1.5 million needed to effectively protect 30% of the planet by 2030. Between 2006 and 2021, 2,351 rangers were killed in the line of duty, with more than 42% of those deaths linked to violent encounters related to poaching and wildlife trafficking. Wild Africa has been engaging directly with rangers across the continent to document their stories and draw attention to the personal sacrifices behind their profession.
Among them is Odamo Yemi, a ranger in the Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State, who sees World Ranger Day as a moment of recognition. “I love to protect nature, and I love to watch animal behaviour,” he said. For Gbenga Ogunwole, a former hunter who became a ranger in the same reserve, the day holds deep meaning. “People will recognise us through that day. They will appreciate our work,” he said. “Protecting nature is not only for rangers alone—it is for all of us.”
Beyond wildlife protection, rangers serve as educators, first responders, law enforcers, and community mediators. Wild Africa has called on governments, donors, and conservation groups to deepen investment in ranger welfare, training, and tools to ensure their safety and effectiveness. “We must support those who stand between extinction and survival,” Unah stressed.
On World Ranger Day, and every day, Wild Africa reminds the global community that the fate of Africa’s wildlife lies in the hands of these brave men and women. Their work is not just conservation; it is a commitment to a shared future where people and nature thrive together.
