World Ranger Day: AWF Honors the Heroes Conserving Africa’s Wildlife and Wild Lands
Rangers in Manyara Ranch
On this World Ranger Day, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) celebrates rangers and community scouts, who protect Africa’s wildlife and wildlands. Communities living near protected and conserved areas rely on these men and women to not only protect wildlife but also foster human-wildlife coexistence.
Recognizing their immense role in conservation, AWF supports rangers and community scouts in their vital work throughout the continent. For example, AWF's Counter Wildlife Trafficking program strengthens frontline conservation efforts by providing rangers and scouts across Africa with resources, training, and equipment. These efforts bolster their capacity to combat wildlife crime and effectively promote human-wildlife coexistence.
On this World Ranger Day, we highlight some dedicated rangers and community scouts to honor their efforts in safeguarding Africa’s biodiversity.
Jackline Mbuwa, Kasigua Wildlife Conservancy, Tsavo - Kenya
Tsavo Landscape, Kenya: Jackline Mbuwa
Jackline Mbuwa's path to becoming a community scout is a shining illustration of female empowerment in the field of conservation. Growing up in Kasigua, Tsavo, she developed a deep love for wildlife from a young age. She joined Kasigau Wildlife Conservancy in 2021.
Ms. Mbuwa says her role has helped the conservancy handle human-wildlife conflict cases. She and her group go on patrols, teach local communities in nearby towns about wildlife protection, and advocate for coexistence. Her leadership has not only empowered her but also encouraged other women to pursue careers in conservation.
"Through AWF's supported training, I understand wildlife behaviors and patrol techniques," she says. These skills help us run efficient patrols and address logging, charcoal burning, and bushmeat poaching."
Mbuwa is a role model for many women because she manages the responsibilities of motherhood with her ranger duties. Her will to save wildlife while building a family is proof of her strength and resilience.
Maringa Lopori Wamba Landscape, DRC: Gabriel Likoti
Gabriel Likoti - Maringa Lopori Wamba Landscape, DRC
Gabriel Likoti Lokuli, a young community scout, joined the team protecting the Elenge-Fekefeke-Lomako community forest in the Maringa-Lopori-Wamba landscape, located in the north-central region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, nine years ago. From the onset, he developed a deep passion for his work and a special connection to the bonobo, the region's iconic species.
Likoti, like many young people in his community, was a farmer who planned to study agronomy. However, in 2017, when AWF established a Land Use Plan for the MLW landscape and granted the Likunduamba community a forest concession, he volunteered as one of 40 scouts to protect this treasure.
Every week, the 40 scouts patrol in teams of 10 or 13, monitoring bonobo nests, elephant activity, and human impact while removing illegal traps. Their dedication to this six-day rotation is unwavering.
From the beginning, Likoti was fascinated by the similarities between bonobos and humans. To connect more deeply, he created a bonobo mask. "My idol is the bonobo," he confesses proudly.
"I encourage young people to find ways to protect nature through their passions," he says. "Every action counts, so join the conservation movement."
Ling Silvano, Kidepo Landscape, Uganda.
Kidepo Landscape, Uganda: Ling Silvano
Disappointed by his unfulfilled dream of becoming a doctor, Ling Silvano remained determined. A scholarship from the Uganda Wildlife Training and Research Institute in Kasese District offered a new path. He earned a diploma in wildlife and natural resource management in 2015 and subsequently joined the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Silvano's career began in UWA's community conservation department. For two years, he actively interacted with local communities to promote human-wildlife coexistence and ownership in environmental protection at the Kidepo National Park in Northern Uganda. His ability to connect with people and simplify complex conservation concepts has facilitated the acquisition of community support.
Leveraging his expertise, Silvano transferred to the tourism department, where he excelled as a ranger guide. Beyond his guiding duties, he serves as the regional coordinator for Wildlife Clubs of Uganda in the Karamoja sub-region.
Reflecting on his journey, Silvano shared, "As a former wildlife club member, I'm honored to inspire future conservation leaders. Schools offer a prime opportunity to engage young minds with conservation messages." He urges young people to champion environmental causes for a sustainable future.
Dja Landscape, Cameroon: Liyong Giscard Doh
Liyong Giscard Doh, Dja Cameroon
Liyong Giscard Doh originally aspired to a career in environmental biology, but life took a different path. Despite setbacks in pursuing a university degree, his passion for conservation remained unwavering. He enrolled in the National Forestry School in Mbalmayo, Cameroon, where he trained as an assistant forestry technician.
Today, as an eco-guard in Dja in the Southern Region of Cameroon, Liyong develops and implements strategies to safeguard natural resources while promoting sustainable land and water management. His daily routine is a dynamic mix of fieldwork, data analysis, and community engagement.
With 13 years of experience across three protected areas in Cameroon, Liyong has honed a diverse skill set encompassing sustainable resource management, wildlife monitoring, GIS mapping, data analysis, and community outreach. His expertise is instrumental in driving impactful conservation initiatives.
"I urge young conservationists to volunteer with specialized organizations, learn from experienced mentors, stay updated on conservation science, and embrace the challenges ahead," Liyong advises.
The power of cooperation
These inspiring stories from Liyong, Mbuwa, Silvano, and Likoti capture the commitment and enthusiasm of rangers and scouts across Africa. Their efforts are important in preserving Africa's biodiversity, guaranteeing a sustainable future for the next generations.
Let us honor the remarkable efforts of these dedicated rangers and community scouts on this World Ranger Day.