Rangers are the last line of defence for some of the world’s most iconic and endangered species found in the natural world.

Our use of the term ranger is an umbrella word that refers to all frontline staff involved in the protection and management of national parks and natural areas. It can include but is not limited to professionals working as wildlife wardens, forest guards, foresters, scouts and watchers.

A ranger’s work covers six main areas; patrolling, combating poaching, engaging with local communities, managing fires, assisting with tourism and monitoring wildlife, all the while acting as professions safeguarding the health of our planet.

A new IUCN WCPA led publication outlines the need for global leaders across multiple sectors to recognize the profession of rangers as essential planetary health workers and to position rangers more effectively within global conservation and environmental policy mechanisms.

Patrolling is a key component of the work of rangers, where they spend countless hours outdoors every year in conditions that can be extremely challenging and dangerous. On average, between daily and long-range patrols, rangers cover an area of about 10-15 km per day.

Whilst on patrols, rangers fulfil a number of their roles. Patrolling is integral in helping rangers to combat wildlife crime by scouting for signs of illegal activity such as snares and traps set up by poachers. It also helps for rangers to spot and manage fires that threaten wildlife reserves and forests.

Rangers assist in conservation work by engaging with local communities to educate them on the importance and utility of conserving these natural areas. Their role is integral in managing human-wildlife conflict, which is an ongoing issue due to the rate at which the human population is growing.

Rangers are on the frontline for our planets critical conservation battle and their role in the conservation of natural areas is often underestimated. Well-trained, motivated and properly equipped rangers are vital to the protection of biodiversity and precious natural and cultural sites. That is why, here at the RFA we want to work with rangers to improve their skills to help them undertake the invaluable work they do for global conservation efforts, on a day-to-day basis.