Africa's rangers are the hero's of conservation! Without their boots on the ground, our protected areas will face even greater levels of poaching.
To be effective, they require discipline, honesty, integrity, fitness and the ability to work as part of a team under difficult conditions. These rangers are the ones that have to face up to the well-organised and well-armed poachers and have to endure working in extremely harsh and dangerous conditions, often with little support or communication backup. Ultimately it is these dedicated teams that will ensure that the elephants, rhino and our other wildlife icons will continue to live and flourish on Africa's soils. We must support them in every way possible!
This conservation photography project is carried out in partnership with the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) that provides support, networks and representation for game rangers across Africa. This conservation photography project will use rangers as the “lead characters” to highlight the issues faced by conservationists and showcase opportunities for improved support of rangers in the future. Positive and targeted messages will be communicated that emphasise the critical role that rangers play in African conservation in ensuring that the continent’s natural heritage is preserved for the benefit of future generations. Support Africa’s Rangers by supporting the GRAA.
Peter Chadwick is a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) whose mission is to further environmental and cultural conservation through photography. The iLCP’s goal is to use the art of high-quality photography to encourage people to take action in support of tangible and meaningful conservation measures.
Visit African Conservation Photography for a full gallery of Ranger images.
