2,351 Rangers Died Globally In 15 Years – NGO

An NGO concerned about wildlife conservation, Wild Africa, has said that 2,351 rangers died on duty across the world between 2006 and 2021.

Speaking against the backdrop of the global celebrations for the 2025 World Rangers Day, highlighting the extraordinary commitment of nearly 60,000 African rangers who risk their lives daily to protect wildlife and ecosystems, the West Africa Director for Wild Africa, Linus Unah, said over 42 percent of the fatalities were linked to criminal activities related to wildlife crime and poaching.

According to the NGO, other challenges that rangers face include time-away from their families, long hours of solitude, traumatic confrontations with poachers and being ostracised by their communities following arrests.

The group highlighted the extraordinary commitment of nearly 60,000 African rangers who risk their lives daily to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

Celebrated under the theme, “Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation” this year, the annual initiative honours the critical work of rangers worldwide and commemorates those rangers who suffered in the line of duty.

Africa is grappling with a significant conservation crisis driven by rapid human population growth and the expansion of urban developments, poaching and other wildlife crimes, climate change and deforestation. These pressures are leading to habitat loss and a decline in countless species. Rangers are at the forefront of addressing these challenges, working to secure protected areas so that ecosystems can function effectively for the benefit of both wildlife and people.

“Rangers are nature’s first line of defense. Without them, our iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, gorillas and leopards could disappear forever.

“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,” Unah stated.