The work of the conservation ranger does not include the comforts of life and the day’s plans can change in an instant. A call out to respond to a poaching incident can happen day or night regardless of the weather.
The dedication of the ranger teams that I have worked with has encouraged and amazed me and gives me hope for our protected areas and the special animals that they contain. Here, a team from the Anti- Poaching Unit of Somkhanda Game Reserve which is managed by Wildlands Conservation Trust carries out a pre-patrol briefing in the pre-dawn hours.
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.