Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana recently in Gwayi
WITH sweat dripping under the blazing Gwayi sun, rangers and community members pounded the dusty trail in a gruelling 23km endurance run. Male rangers carried 20kg backpacks, while their female counterparts bore 15kg loads — a symbolic demonstration of the grit and sacrifice required to protect Zimbabwe’s wildlife.
The spectacle marked the 2025 edition of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, a global conservation event that not only tests physical limits but also unites communities, partners and nations behind the cause of safeguarding natural heritage.
In his remarks during the Wildlife Ranger Challenge held in Gwayi, Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) operations director Mr David Kuvawoga said the decision to host the challenge within the community was intentional, aimed at fostering stronger collaboration and appreciation for conservation work.
“Collaborations between key stakeholders such as the community continue to play a vital role in conservation efforts. This initiative is designed to champion conservation and highlight the benefits derived from natural resources.
“That is why we chose to hold this year’s challenge within the community — to expose people to the vital work rangers do in protecting our wildlife.
“We want to raise awareness about the importance of walking together in the fight against wildlife crime and in preserving our natural heritage,” he said.
Mr Kuvawoga also paid tribute to the resilience of rangers, some of whom spend up to 50 days on patrol, away from their families and facing harsh terrain and dangerous conditions.
He further highlighted the recent inclusion of all-female anti-poaching teams in PDC’s operations, describing them as “trailblazers who are redefining conservation”.
For decades, anti-poaching work was seen as a male-dominated field, but women are now breaking barriers and proving that gender is no obstacle to protecting wildlife.
“Their presence has inspired communities and shown that protecting wildlife is not defined by gender but by courage, resilience and passion. By stepping into this space, these women are not only fighting poaching but also advancing gender equality, showing young girls that they too can be protectors of nature. It’s a powerful statement that conservation belongs to everyone.”
One of the female rangers, Pretty Moyo, said the experience has been transformative.
“Many people believed women couldn’t handle the rigours of anti-poaching work. But every day in the bush, we prove that dedication, strength and intelligence matter more than gender. I hope our work inspires more women to step forward and claim their place in conservation,” she said.
In addition to this milestone, PDC has mobilised local community members to form anti-poaching units, which have played a key role in reducing poaching and removing wire snares that often claimed endangered painted dogs.
These efforts — alongside income-generating projects, health and education support and employment creation —have demonstrated that conservation thrives when communities are active participants and beneficiaries.
Guest of honour at the event, Gwayi Valley Farmers Association secretary and Gwayi Leisure Centre owner Mr Chris Dube, described the challenge as more than just a race.
“It’s a great honour to stand before you today at this year’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge. This event is more than a race — it’s a celebration of courage, commitment, and the tireless dedication of rangers who protect our wildlife and natural heritage.
“Today, we not only test endurance, but we also unite communities, conservation partners and friends from around the world behind a common purpose — to ensure that Africa’s wildlife continues to thrive for generations to come.
You are the true heroes on the frontline, often working under the most difficult conditions to safeguard our natural treasures,” Mr Dube said.
This year’s Gwayi edition saw broader participation from organisations and partners operating both locally and internationally. Their involvement underscored the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable conservation and community engagement.
Globally led by UK-based conservation charity Tusk, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge is held annually across Africa, raising funds and awareness for ranger welfare and wildlife protection.
The Gwayi edition not only showcased the physical endurance of rangers and participants but also celebrated inclusion, empowerment and community ownership of conservation.
As the dust settled on the 23km run, one message rang clear: Zimbabwe’s fight against poaching and wildlife crime is strongest when rangers, women, communities and partners stand together.
