Rangers play a vital role in protection of our ecosystem enhancing survival of our wildlife. Their work exemplifies unwavering dedication that has significantly contributed to the sustainability of our fragile ecosystems.
On 31st July 2024, we joined the globe in celebrating the World Rangers Day at Nanyuki Stadium. Dr. Erastus Kanga, the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, presided over the event in honor of the rangers. This years’ theme, Celebrating Kenya Rangers’ Efforts Towards Achieving 30 by 30, aims at conserving 30% of Kenya’s biodiversity by 2030. The presence of the Director General signified the importance of the Mountain Conservation Area as echoed in his speech.
Mountain conservation area hosts the highest population of rhinos in Kenya at 75% with Solio Game Reserve holding 35% of the population. Their survival depends solely on the rangers who work round the clock as highlighted by Dr. Kanga who termed them as Guardians of Nature, emphasizing their importance to the public.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy team explains technological tools used in monitoring among them, the FLIR cameras
The celebration was an opportunity for rangers to display their expertise on their areas of operations. Stakeholders in the wildlife sector presented how technology has leveraged the work of rangers towards delivering their services. Among the technology showcased was the Earth Ranger by Borana Conservancy that has transformed monitoring of wildlife in the conservancies, ranches and outside protected areas. Ol Pejeta Conservancy exhibited how the use of FLIR camera has amplified their scope in terms of monitoring; a useful tool for rangers. “Sniffer Rangers”, a term given to sniffer dogs, joined the celebration with their keepers showcasing their intelligence and agility in mapping out illegal activities such as poaching and tracking of wild trophies
A sniffer ranger demonstrates agility and intelligence in mapping weapons and wildlife trophies
Laikipia Landscape greatest challenge in wildlife management is Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) exacerbated by climate change. Rangers from KWS demonstrated how they respond to cases of HWC using a skit. They sensitized on mediation to resolve disputes arising from HWC reinstating the role of the community towards conservation. Attendees were educated on the new Human Wildlife Conflict Digital Payment Scheme that seeks to leverage the recording process and fasten the payment process.
To the rangers, the celebration was a platform to reflect on their journey of wildlife conservation as narrated by Kapona Lepale from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Hailing from a deep rooted cultural community, his transition from a poacher to a ranger was remarkable, narrating how he had killed carnivores for hides. After understanding the importance of conservation, he actively advocates for wildlife protection by educating the public especially those from communities living together with wildlife. His transformation magnified the importance of coexisting with wild animals urging communities and stakeholders to collaborate in mitigating human wildlife conflict.
In a County with strong cultural beliefs, there is need to integrate indigenous knowledge to mainstream conservation efforts. This was depicted during entertainment through traditional songs that emphasized on conservation from different communities. Despite coming from a rich cultural set up, the passion for Kapona towards conservation could not deter him from becoming a wildlife guardian.
The culmination of the celebration was awarding certificates to rangers who had shown exemplary work in conservation. Awarding them, Dr. Kanga emphasized that it requires dedication and passion to become a ranger. Additionally, he called for collaboration among stakeholders in reference to Kenya Wildlife Service Strategic Plan 2024-2028 dedicated towards thriving wildlife population for all, forever. He reiterated that wildlife is for everyone, explaining it through Tunza Mali Yako, an initiative that seeks to sensitize the public to embrace wildlife conservation.
Laikipia Wildlife Forum recognizes the unwavering commitment of the rangers towards enhancing sustainability of wildlife populations and has been collaborating with conservancies, ranches and protected areas in championing wildlife conservation.
Photo Credits: Ann Ngunjiri
