World Ranger Day was created by the International Ranger Federation and its official charity – the Thin Green Line Foundation who are based in Australia.

The Foundation’s needs are absolutely focused on supporting the Rangers’ needs, the emphasis being on supporting rangers in low-income countries and areas where there are conflict:

1. Train the trainer
2. Equip anti-poaching ranger patrol teams
3. Financial lifelines to families of rangers who have died
4. Critical funding to frontline projects e.g. Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Israel, Uganda, Sumatra, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, Solomon Islands

Rangers fulfil all sorts of duties including removing snares set to trap wildlife, monitoring wildlife, doing drone surveys, engaging the community and promoting alternative forms of livelihood.  They have training in fighting fires too. 

As the dangers facing them increase and criminal gangs and syndicates become more aggressive and better armed, rangers really are putting themselves in danger so it’s vital to ensure that they go out on patrol with the right equipment and training and back-up – and the knowledge that they are supported.

World Ranger Day (31 July every year) is all about taking a moment to reflect on the courage of wildlife rangers and the sacrifice they make or are prepared to make to protect wildlife on the front line.

3 things to do on World Ranger Day.

1. Post on social media using #WorldRangerDay #StandWithRangers #NaturesProtectors 
2. Show support by adding the “I stand with Rangers” frame to your Facebook and Twitter profile pictures – these are available from the Thin Green Line’s website.
3. Take a moment to honour fallen rangers.   You can see the list of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our cherished wildlife.  There is a 2020 Honour Roll and 2009-2020 In Memoriam.  Please let’s think of the families they leave behind, too.

I would like to add two more:

1. Spread the word about the Thin Green Line Foundation and the amazing work that rangers do around the world.
   
   
2. Donate if you can.  Times are difficult for many but even if we can spare the cost of a take-out coffee or a glass of wine, that will help. 
   
   

Visit the Thin Green Line Foundation’s website here.