African People & Wildlife - Wildlife Ranger Challenge 2026

Rangers are Africa’s unsung heroes. They hold diverse roles as conservationists, teachers, community support workers, leaders and much more.

African People & Wildlife supports a team of 11 experienced Community Game Scouts protecting 1.7 million acres of communal lands adjacent to Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania. These village lands are vital to local livelihoods and to elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, carnivores, and other wildlife moving beyond park boundaries.

In 2025, the scouts completed 246 patrols, covering 10,773 miles over 1,777 hours. They respond to poaching, protect habitat threatened by illegal charcoal production, identify coexistence needs, and share conservation information with local communities. Twice each month, they also conduct wildlife transects. Across 96 surveys in 2025, the team recorded 11,459 animals from 26 species, including the highest number of elephant observations since monitoring began.

Their teamwork has also earned international recognition through multiple Wildlife Ranger Challenge victories.

“We have trained with commitment and worked hard together,” says Patrol Commander Ezekiel Loserian. “Winning the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has made us proud. It shows what community rangers can achieve with discipline, teamwork, and a strong heart for conservation.”

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge, organised by Tusk, is a celebration of solidarity, connection and camaraderie for the ranger profession. Culminating on 19th September 2026, the campaign raises vital funds for Africa's biodiversity guardians.

Give today and the Scheinberg Relief Fund will match every dollar donated, amplifying your impact. Join us in speaking up #ForWildlifeRangers

Find out more at wildliferangerchallenge.org