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Tinashe Farawo, Correspondent
The International Ranger Federation (IRF) states that 140 rangers from 37 countries lost their lives during the first six months of the year, while more than 1 300 rangers have died on duty since 2014.
Today is the World Ranger Day.
The day which is commemorated on July 31 every year provides a moment when everyone involved in conservation can pause and celebrate those men and women who died or were injured while looking after the world’s most treasured asset -nature.
It is also important in recognising the work of those that continue to put their lives on the line in protection of wildlife. It is also a day to remember men and women who lost their lives in line of duty and some still missing to date.
This year’s commemorations run under the theme, “30 by 30” meaning that at least 30 percent of the planet should be effectively conserved and managed by 2030.
Since the world’s threatened biodiversity is linked to humankind’s existence, rangers are the first and last line of defence to ensure our survival as a specie.
For years, rangers across the globe have been at the mercy of poachers and more needs to be done to ensure their security and survival while on duty.
The World Rangers Day is also to celebrate the successes of conservation in the country and the world in general.
In 2019, two rangers, were killed in the Kariba Dam by suspected poachers.
Speaking at the funeral of rangers, ZimParks Director General, Dr Fulton Mangwanya said this was an unfortunate incident and the organisation was concerned with our officers’ safety.
“These are our workers, these are our rangers who were on duty. This is national duty, protecting the natural resource, including wildlife and fish.”
The two rangers, were reported missing while transporting the suspected poachers from Matusadona National Park to ZRP Kariba on New Year’s Eve in 2019.
The boat they were using was found destroyed on the Zambian side a few days later.
The bodies of the rangers were recovered a few days later in the Kariba Dam.
The duo’s sad case is the tip of the iceberg and a clear illustration of the dangers associated with being a ZimParks ranger.
More than 30 incidences of officers’ either killed, maimed or injured have been recorded since 2006.
At least 13 deaths have been recorded during the period under review, while 11 were seriously injured, some with permanent disability.
Herbert Chimeramombe was bitten to death by a snake while on duty in the Nyamaneche area in 2006 before Kedha Nkoka was attacked and killed by a buffalo while on patrol in Sengwa the following year.
Madubeko Ngwenya drowned in 2016 when a canoe he was using was struck by a hippo and capsized in the Matusadona area.
The buffalo has been one of the most dangerous animals for rangers as five incidences involving the mammal have been recorded in the last 15 years.
There were two incidences involving a buffalo and rangers in 2017.
Alphonce Mupuwa was attacked and injured by a male buffalo while on extended patrol in Chirisa on December 17, 2017. He sustained injuries on both legs, chest and stomach.
Matetsi Safari Area had its own incident when Wisdom Ndlovu was wounded on the thigh by a buffalo during a veld fire fighting exercise.
Two rangers, Rudolph Nyamanzi of Matusadonha and Runesu Magomba in Chizarira, were also attacked by buffaloes in 2019.
Nyamanzi was attacked by a buffalo that had been incensed by poachers’ dogs and sustained injuries on August 2.
Magomba was attacked and injured by a male buffalo while on extended patrol in the Nyangani area in Chizarira National Park. The life of a ranger is sometimes unbearable. Arresting poachers is one of the most dangerous engagements for ZimParks’ rangers.
Robert Majirapanze was bitten on the arm by a fish poacher, while effecting an arrest at Osborne, on July 19, 2019.
Richard Katumba and Ostern Tengawarima were attacked by fish poachers and only escaped after shooting one of the poachers on the leg at Biri Dam on November 5, 2018.
A decade ago, Tinoziva Mudavanhu was attacked by four fish poachers after arresting them in Mid Zambezi.
Rangers have also been involved in near fatal fights with illegal panners, with one incident being recorded in Chimanimani in 2019.
William Kamanga was attacked by machete wielding gold panners on the head and sustained serious injuries.
While rangers spend 21 days on extended patrol in protection of the country’s most priced asset, it is important to spare a thought for the gallant sons and daughters of the country who put their lives on the line, risk limb and life to look after our elephants.
There is global recognition that the country’s elephants are not threatened with extinction and without doubt, they are in good hands. It is important that these men and women who have done so well to protect our wildlife are equipped and well resourced.
It is not a secret that the biggest threat to the survival of our wildlife is loss of habitat which is mainly caused by the overpopulation of wild animals and poaching although the latter is being fought by these dedicated rangers.
The climate change induced drought is also not helping matters as temperatures have been rising more than double the global average in southern Africa.
Over the last few years these men and women have managed to reduce poaching of key species such as elephant and rhino by more than 80 percent in five years.
Recently, a ranger in Hwange suffered permanent disability after he was attacked by a crocodile and there are many near death encounters with lions, elephants, buffaloes, snakes and of cause not mentioning dangerously armed poachers.
Apart from all these problems most of the protected areas are in ecological region 5, where there are extreme weather conditions and not mentioning tsetse flies among other challenges.
Rangers face numerous challenges from combating poaching, to navigating difficult terrains and harsh weather conditions of up to 45 degrees Celsius.
Despite all these challenges, the rangers’ commitment to protect nature remains unwavering.
As tourists flock the country, to view the country’s rich wildlife, it is important to spare a thought to men and women who are protecting these animals from poachers.
Tinashe Farawo is the head of communications at Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. Feedback: [email protected]
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